The sources consulted for the drafting of this article are the official sites of the Ministry of Health, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control). .
, concern is growing more and more about the variants of the Coronavirus that are now spreading everywhere.
The new Coronavirus - also known as 2019-nCoV or, more correctly, SARS-CoV-2 - is responsible for the respiratory syndrome known as COVID-19 and the pandemic that now affects all countries of the world.
Like any other virus, SARS-CoV-2 also has a tendency to mutate giving rise to different variants, some of which are more of concern than others. So let's see what they are and what we know about them. Before that, however, it may be helpful to take a step back and understand why and what it means that the virus mutates.
For further information: Coronavirus: What is it? Symptoms and Contagion which is SARS-CoV-2.
Mutations of the new Coronavirus have been observed since the very early stages of the pandemic. However, while some of them do not have a direct and significant benefit impact for the virus, others can give it characteristics that can improve its survival, such as, for example, greater transmissibility, greater pathogenicity with induction of a more severe form of disease. severe (COVID-19 in the specific case of SARS-CoV-2) or the possibility of "circumventing" the immunity acquired by the individual following a "natural infection or any vaccines. When the virus is" enriched "of these characteristics we have to do with variants that generate concern.
known as "spike", that is the viral protein that allows the virus itself to "attach itself" to the cells of the host organism.The three variants are named after the place where they were first isolated and are as follows:
English variant or Alpha variant
The English variant - or Alpha variant - was first isolated in Great Britain and was reported to the WHO from the UK in December 2020. The variant was named SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 (Variant of Concern, year 2020, month 12, variant 01) but is also known as B.1.1.7.
From the data collected so far it has emerged that this variant has a greater transmissibility and a greater pathogenicity is hypothesized for which studies are underway. Until now, no evidence has emerged of a possible negative effect against the vaccines available to date.
For further information: English variant SARS-CoV-2: why are you worried?South African variant or Beta variant
The South African variant - or rather, the Beta variant - was first isolated in October 2020 in South Africa and its discovery was announced to the WHO by the country's national authorities in December 2020. In South Africa the variant is was named 501Y.V2 but is also known as B.1.351.
It was first reported in Europe in December 2020, after Christmas, and is being kept under control as it exhibits a higher transmissibility and, even in this case, it seems to have a negative effect on the effect of vaccines. It is not clear whether it could give rise to a more serious disease, studies are still ongoing.
Brazilian variant or Gamma variant
The Brazilian variant - also known as P.1 or Gamma variant - was first isolated in Brazil in December 2020. In early January 2021, its presence was also reported in Europe, including Italy. It is monitored carefully as it has greater transmissibility and because it seems that it may decrease the effectiveness of vaccines.
At the same time, studies are being carried out to verify whether this variant is able to cause a greater number of infections in subjects who have already experienced COVID-19 and who have already recovered from it.
Indian variant or Delta variant
The Indian variant - also known as B.1.617 or Delta variant - was first identified in October 2020, shortly after the English variant was identified.
The official website of the Ministry of Health dedicated to the New Coronavirus states that the Delta variant "includes a series of mutations including E484Q, L452R and P681R, the simultaneous presence of which raises reasonable concern due to the potential greater transmissibility and the possible risk of reinfection. Variants belonging to the Indian strain were also found, therefore genetically related, but lacking the E484Q mutation ".
For further information: Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 variants: the mutations of the virus under study may not prove effective against the variants.
The situation regarding drugs and vaccines, therefore, is constantly evolving.
COVID-19 Antigenic Tests - Rapid Antigenic Tests COVID-19 Serological Tests: What Are They And How Do They Work?Of course, diagnostic tests are unable to determine which variant affected the patient. To know it, it is necessary to perform a specific test known as "sequencing", thanks to which it is possible to determine the exact genome of the virus. This type of highly specialized test is carried out only in special specialized centers.
;The variant analyzes are carried out in the laboratories of the individual Regions or Autonomous Provinces to which the ISS has asked to select subsamples of positive cases and to sequence the genome of the virus to identify in particular the presence of the English variant. Subsequently, the presence of the Brazilian variant will be identified and, if necessary, also the South African one ".
they must continue to be rigorously adopted and respected under all circumstances.
Of course, it is also essential to comply with all the indications and restrictions imposed by the regulations currently in force.
as soon as possible after identification and on the fourteenth day of quarantine, in order to allow further contact tracing.Note: this kind of behavior must apply to the whole population.
The Ministry of Health also adds that the Department of Prevention must carry out a retrospective search of the contacts of a confirmed variant case - that is, beyond 48 hours and up to 14 days before the onset of symptoms of the same confirmed case - or of swab execution in the event that the case is asymptomatic, in order to identify the possible source of infection and further extend the contact tracing to any cases identified.
