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Johannesburg, South Africa – A new study has shown that people previously infected with the Covid-19 variant identified in South Africa have better immunity against other coronavirus mutations, experts said Wednesday.
The findings, from preliminary research by the team of South African scientists who identified the variant dubbed 501Y.V2, raise hopes that vaccines based on the strain may protect against future mutations.
Identified late last year, the variant fueled South Africa’s second wave of infection and delayed the start of vaccinations in February.
Scientists said on Wednesday that plasma collected from people infected with the variant had “good neutralizing activity,” including against “first wave” viruses and potentially other variants of concern.
After the antibodies were tested against the original strain and another identified in Brazil, “the results show a clear sense of direction,” virologist Tulio de Oliveira said in a videoconference.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said at the same meeting that the discovery was “good news for everyone” as it represented a great boost to control the pandemic.
Coronavirus mutations – some more contagious – had put a brake on global vaccination programs after existing vaccines were found to offer less protection against them.
In recent weeks, manufacturers have been quick to modify their formulas in response to the spread of new variants.
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