PTFC-19 for genome sequencing to identify virus variants in state
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 20 2021:
Days after reports of detecting 18 cases of Delta variant of Covid-19 in the state, People's Task Force for Covid-19 (PTFC-19) has stressed the need for identifying Covid variants found in the state through genome sequencing.
In a statement, PTFC-19 said that the finding of Delta variant should not be taken lightly considering its high rate of transmissibility and severity.
The government delayed in taking up genome sequencing exercise, which is unfortunate.
In the light of the latest finding, it has become imperative to find out the variants found in the state, it stated.
As per scientific findings, the new variant came into existence after the amino acid H69 and V70 of the spike protein of the virus are altered and the new strain is 50 to 75 per cent more transmissible than the original strain.
The new variant has put a question mark on the effectiveness of the vaccine being administered in the country, it stated.
Further study also found alteration in other 16 areas of spike protein in the virus resulting in different variants.
As the virus spreads further, it keeps mutating and develops immune escape capabilities.
Keeping in view of the changing nature of the virus, it is safe to assume that the virus is not going away anytime soon and it will keep mutating.
The pace of mutation will proportionately increase with the speed of transmission.
With the changing nature of the virus, scientists are now talking of re-starting the research in vaccine, the statement said.
In the latest report, a hybrid variant of Alpha and Delta has also been detected in Vietnam and it is said to be more transmissible.
However, Vietnam handled the pandemic effectively and the country has so far only 6396 positive cases and 47 deaths.
The state needs to learn from countries like Vietnam in order to contain the pandemic, it added.
Considering the speed of transmission and recent finding of Delta variant in the state, it is important for the government to identify the variants found in the state through extensive genome sequencing and devise effective way to contain the spread, the statement added.