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The ‘Mu’ strain, scientifically known as B.1.621, is classified as a ‘strain of concern’, the WHO said in its weekly report on the pandemic on Tuesday.
The health organization noted that the strain has mutations that indicate a risk of resistance to vaccines and stressed that more research is needed to better understand the strain.
The “Mu” strain has a number of mutations that indicate a possible “escape from immunity,” according to the report.
There is considerable concern about the emergence of new coronavirus strains, with increasing global morbidity rates and the entry into force of a highly susceptible delta strain, especially in the unvaccinated and in regions that have relaxed control measures. of the virus.
All viruses, including the COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, mutate over time, but many mutations generally do not affect the properties of the virus. However, some mutations can affect the properties of the virus and influence its spread, the course of the disease caused, resistance to vaccines, drugs and other means.
The WHO currently includes four strains of COVID-19 on its list of “strains of concern”, including the alpha strain in 193 countries and the delta strain in 170 countries.
At that time, five varieties are observed, including Mu.
Since Mu was first discovered in Colombia, the variety has been observed in other South American countries and in Europe.
The WHO has indicated that the global prevalence of this variety has been reduced to 0.1%, but in Colombia the corresponding figure is 39%.
