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Biotica H o w t o c i t e t h i s a r t i c l e?
Sahoo et al., 2021. Triple Mutant Bengal Strain (B.1.618)
Research of Coronavirus and the Worst COVID Outbreak in India.
Biotica Research Today 3(4): 261-265.
Today A bstrac t
261
Vol 3:4 265 T
riple Mutant Bengal Strain (B.1.618) of Coronavirus and the
WorIndia is currently the first most affected country in the
2021 world. In the ferocious second COVID wave, India has seen
emergence of at least two unique mutations of SARS-CoV-2, but
there are other infectious variants around the world that could be
Triple Mutant Bengal a factor too. As India reels under a surge of new COVID-19 cases
and deaths, experts have theorised that the new second wave of
Strain (B.1.618) of infections is driven by the double mutant variant B.1.617 discovered

Coronavirus and the in the country. The B.1.617 variant was first detected in Maharashtra
in October. It was initially thought to comprise two mutations E484Q
Worst COVID Outbreak in and L452R and hence, referred to as a double mutant variant. But now
scientists believe the variant (B.1.618) consists of more mutations:
India E154K, P681R and Q1071H. It may evade some of the body’s immune
response but scientists say most vaccines should still help reduce
Jyoti Prakash Sahoo1*, Ambika Prasad severity of disease.

Mishra2 and Kailash Chandra Samal1 News Highlights

1
Dept. of Agricultural Biotechnology, Odisha University of
Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751 003),
India
2
Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Odisha
University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar,
Odisha (751 003), Indiaa
1. A ‘triple mutant variant’ is formed when three mutations of
a virus combine to form a new variant. In this case, the three
mutations are: (i) a deletion and two changes in spike protein
(ii) deletion of H146 and Y145, and (iii) mutation in E484K and
D614G in spike protein.
2. The ‘triple mutant variant’ is the second lineage of the SARS-
CoV-2 virus to be identified in India and is called ‘B.1.618’.
Introduction

R
NA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 frequently adopts
Open Access mechanisms of genetic variation through mutation
Corresponding Author to increase infectivity and mortality rate for their
Jyoti Prakash Sahoo better survival. During replication of RNA virus error in the
e-mail: jyotiprakashsahoo2010@gmail.com synthesis of new replicon occurs resulting mutation. The rate
of mutation is affected by the nucleotide sequence of the RNA
virus as well as by environmental factors. The Coronavirus
keeps changing as it passes from one person to another and
Key wo r d s has been mutating ever since it emerged. During replication, a
COVID-19, India, Second wave, Triple mutant virus often undergoes genetic mutations that may create new
variants which have distinctly different physical characteristics
and coined as a new strain. In the new strain some changes
in the spike protein of the virus has taken place that makes it
more infectivity and causes higher mortality. As of April 20,
India’s homegrown variant of the novel Coronavirus has spread
to at least 15 other countries, worrying health administrators
Article History and scientists across the world. Several countries, most
Received in 25th April 2021 recently the United Kingdom, have banned flights from India.
Received in revised form 26th April 2021 There is a growing clamour in many other countries such as
Accepted in final form 27th April 2021 Canada to do the same. Although there is lack of data, there
is widespread speculation among Indian scientists that the
E-mail: bioticapublications@gmail.com

© 2021 261
Sahoo et al., 2021
country’s current surge - the worst since the outbreak of the
pandemic is fuelled by the triple mutant COVID-19 variant,
labelled B.1.617.
According to the global GISAID (Global initiative on sharing
all influenza data) database, a free-to-access collaborative
initiative of the German government and Friends of the non-
profit GISAID, the variant accounted for 63.6% of Coronavirus
strains from India that underwent genome sequencing by
GISAID participants in the last four weeks. Apart from India,
the variant is most prevalent in the United Kingdom, United
States, Singapore and Australia. The B.1.617 variant was first
detected in Maharashtra in October, show GISAID records.
It was initially thought to comprise two mutations – E484Q
and L452R – and hence, referred to as a “double mutant”
variant. But now scientists believe the variant consists of
more mutations: E154K, P681R and Q1071H. Viruses mutate
all the time, resulting in millions and millions of new variants.
However, what has made scientists worry about B.1.617 is the
presence of three mutations, E484Q, L452R and P6814 – the
reason why some are now referring to it as a “triple mutant”
Figure 1: Timeline (April 2021) of different COVID-19 strain data deposited (https://www.gisaid.org/)
© 2021
variant. These mutations have been found in other “variants
of concern”, a term currently being used for the variants from
UK, South Africa and Brazil. The E484Q mutation, for instance,
is similar to the E484K that was previously seen in the fast-
spreading Brazilian and South African variants.
The L452R, also found in a variant first reported in California,
could have immune escape, which means it could dodge
antibodies induced during a prior infection or a vaccine, and
therefore, show greater virulence. A comparison between the
deadliest strains submitted to GISAID website since April 1,
2021 is indexed in Figure 1 and country submission count %
(top 10 countries) of different strains of COVID-19 deposited
to GISAID website are indexed in Figure 2. According to
India Today, the so-called ‘Bengal strain’ was first found in
West Bengal but has been found in samples from Delhi and
Maharashtra as well. The ‘triple mutant variant’ is the second
lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to be identified in India and
is called ‘B.1.618’. Consequently, researches that may help
answer some of the more burning questions around it such
as immune escape and response to vaccination.
262
Biotica Research Today 2021, 3(4):261-265

COVID-19 Second Wave in India reported 2,34,692 fresh cases and 1,341 deaths, Ministry of

I
ndia reported 2.34 lakh fresh cases of COVID-19 in the
past 24 hours. That was the highest single-day spike in
COVID-19 cases in the country. On April 17, 2021, India
Health and Family Welfare data showed. This was the third
consecutive day of over 2 lakh cases in the country. The overall
COVID-19 cases in the country have risen to 1,45,26,609 and
death toll has reached 1,75,649. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,

Figure 2: Country submission count % (top 10 countries) of different COVID-19 strain to GISAID database (https://www.gisaid.org/)
Delhi, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka are the states which have country (Figure 3). Maharashtra alone accounts for 27.15
contributed most to the rising cases of Coronavirus in the percent of fresh COVID-19 cases in the country.

Figure 3: Ten states having the highest number of COVID-19 active cases (April 17, 2021) (Source - https://www.businesstoday.
in/latest/trends/covid-19-second-wave-in-india-10-worst-affected-states-with-highest-number-of-coronavirus-infections/
story/436872.html)

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Sahoo et al., 2021
Variants, Mutations and Lineages –
Global Concern
A
ll viruses mutate as they replicate, as a part of natural
processes - a mutation occurs when there is an ‘error’
or change in the RNA sequence of the virus as it
replicates. Some viruses mutate faster than others, such as
the influenza virus. Mutations are written down in the form
of which nucleotide or amino acid is changing, and at what
position in the sequence. Multiple mutations that spread
persistently give rise to a new ‘variant’ of the virus, such as
the India variant or the UK variant, also called ‘lineages’.
1. Indian Double Mutant- B.1.617
T
he Indian ‘double mutant’ variant carries two important
mutations: L452R and E484Q. Both these mutations
have been associated with evading the immune
system, while the L452R mutation has been associated with
a rapid spread of cases. The variant is most likely to be the
leading cause behind the sudden and staggering growth in
numbers being witnessed in India. The B.1.617 variant also
carries another notable mutation, P681R, misidentified in
some reports as P614R. However, the mutation is not new
and has been a part of the variant for a while.
2. UK Variant - B.1.1.7
T his variant first emerged in the UK and has been
associated with a 30-50 percent increase in
transmission. It also likely has an increased disease
severity and higher viral load upon infection. The variant
does not demonstrate immune escape properties, and
multiple vaccine manufacturers have assured the public that
their products are effective against it. It now comprises over
95 percent of all infections in the UK, and has been identified
in at least 114 countries. The most notable mutation the
B.1.1.7 carries is the N501Y, which has been determined to
enhance affinity to the ACE2 receptors in humans that the
virus uses to latch on. Additionally, the P681H mutation
could potentially affect cell infectivity and replication of the
virus.
3. South Africa Variant - B.1.351 (501.V2)
T his variant emerged in South Africa and has been
associated with both increased infectivity as well as
immune escape. It carries three notable mutations
- E484K, N501Y, and K417N and five others on the spike
protein. It also carries multiple mutations in other regions.
The variant has been most concerning on the vaccine front,
with multiple trials reporting lower efficacy in neutralising
this variant. The B.1.351 has also been detected in other
countries such as USA, Singapore, China, and in multiple
African and European Union countries.
4. Brazilian Variant - P.1
T
his variant emerged in Manaus, Brazil, and drove the
second wave of infections in the state of Amazonas.
It is associated with immune escape and increased
© 2021 264
infectivity. There are ten key mutations in the spike protein
that make up this variant, including N501Y, E484K, and
K417T, the last of which increases the virus’s ability to bind to
human cells. It also has ‘insertion’ mutations away from the
spike protein. The P.1 variant has also been detected in other
countries in the EU and South America, as well as Japan,
Turkey, UK, and India. There is also a P.2 variant in Brazil,
which carries only the immune escape E484K mutation but
not the other two.
Triple Mutant B.1.618 (Bengal Strain)
to Worsen India’s COVID Crisis
I
ndia is also seeing a new ‘variant of interest’, called the
B.1.618, which is currently said to be spreading rapidly
in West Bengal. It carries a different set of mutations
to the ‘double mutant’. The B.1.618 is characterised by
E484K, a major immune-escape mutation. It also carries two
‘deletions’ in its spike protein, called H146del and Y145del.
Both these have been associated with immune escape as
well. This variant has also been found in other countries like
the USA, Switzerland, Singapore, and Finland, but not with
the full suite of mutations found in India. There is currently
not enough evidence to indicate that the variant is driving
the spread in West Bengal. India’s healthcare infrastructure
stares at an abject breakdown as the second wave of the
Coronavirus sweep across the nation with record COVID-19
infections and all-time high daily deaths. While the medical
professionals struggle to keep up with the spike, there is a
new development that may worsen India’s Covid crisis. Now,
the scientists say that the virus has mutated further and has
three types of mutations hence the name triple mutant. It is
scientifically known as B.1.618.
Dr. Vinod Scaria, a scientist working at the New Delhi-based
Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB),
took to Twitter on April 20, 2021 to talk about the triple
mutant, which is now being called the ‘Bengal strain’ of
the Coronavirus. Data submitted from India to the global
repository GISAID shows the B.1.618, at 12%, is the third
most common variant sequenced in the last 60 days. The
B.1.617, at 28%, is the most common among sequences,
followed by B.1.1.7 (the UK variant), the India Mutation
Report by Scripps Research showed, citing the GISAID data.
Dr. Vinod Scaria also said that the ‘sequence’ of the mutant’s
lineage was found mainly in West Bengal. According to the
analysis at outbreak.info, 129 of the 130 B.1.618 sequences
in India were in samples from West Bengal. India accounts
for 62.5% of the B.1.618 variants reported in the world. The
variant was first found in a sample outside of India on April
22, 2020. While more research is being done to understand
the link between the discovery of the triple mutant and
the new surge in viral infections, the main point is that this
Biotica Research Today 2021, 3(4):261-265
mutant is not only highly transmissible, it may also escape
any sort of immune barrier.
Symptoms of Coronavirus Triple
Mutant Variant (Bengal Strain)
T he symptoms of new of Coronavirus triple mutant
variant (Bengal strain) are Diarrhoea, abdominal pain,
rashes, conjunctivitis, confusion state, brain fog, bluish
discolouration of fingers and toes, bleeding through nose
and throat apart from the usual symptoms - sore throat,
body ache, fever, loss of smell and taste. The new mutant
variant of Coronavirus appears to escape RT-PCR COVID-19
test. Coronavirus triple mutant variant (Bengal strain) is
found to be very infectious, cause severe disease.
• The transmissibility of this mutant is very high and can
spread more quickly in people.
• It causes either severe to very severe disease in affected
persons associated with an increased risk of mortality.
• It can escape detection by specific viral diagnostic tests:
like reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-
PCR)-based tests and antigen based diagnostic test.
• The mutant strains can evade the protection developed
against immunizations and/or natural infection with SARS-
CoV-2.
Safe Management of Triple Mutant
Variant (Bengal Strain)
• Always maintain six feet physical distance between yourself
and others both in indoor and outdoor. Always wear a mask
properly and make sure it covers both your nose, mouth and
chin. Frequently clean your hands before you put your mask
on, as well as before and after you take it off, and after you
touch it at any time.
• Whenyou take off a mask, store it in a clean plastic bag,
and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask, or dispose
of a medical mask in a trash bin. Avoid the closed, crowded
places.
• Don’t spend with people for long periods in close proximity.
© 2021
These environments are where the virus appears to spread
by respiratory droplets or aerosols more efficiently.
• Meet people outside as outdoor gatherings are safer than
indoor ones. Open a window. Increase the amount of ‘natural
ventilation’ when indoors.
Conclusion
A
new variant of the virus causing COVID-19 has been
detected in India, and it is predominantly circulating
in West Bengal. It is being referred to as ‘triple mutant
variant’ alias ‘Bengal strain’ alias ‘B.1.618’. This variant is
more infectious and making more people sick quickly. It
has a major mutation that helps it to evade immune system
and may result in compromising vaccine efficacy. Experts
in India have raised alarm and called for a faster genome
sequencing to fully understand the triple mutant and how
it behaves. Notably, genome sequencing produces a wealth
of information that can throw light on the origins of the
virus, the routes it has taken to reach a particular geography
and the changes, or mutations, that are making the virus
stronger or weaker. Not only that, genome sequencing is
also crucial for development of drugs and vaccines to control
the pandemic. Experts tracking India’s genomic surveillance
said that while specific tests are required to determine the
implications of the virus, India needs to sequence and share
details of more samples.
References
https://scroll.in/article/992828/indian-COVID-19-variant-
is-sparking-global-concern-why-do-we-know-so-little-
about-it
https://theprint.in/science/double-mutant-triple-mutant-
bengal-lineage-covid-variants-driving-india-surge-
decoded/643766/
https://ww.hindustantime.com/india-newsnew-b1-618-vari-
ant-now-among-mostse quenced-101618943738393.
html
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