Current Status of Recently

Evolved Covid Strains

LB&ES
SUBMITTED BY:
NAME : SACHTINANADA MISHRA
REGD NO: 2101020470
ROLL NO: CIT21078
GROUP: 7
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF:
DR. SIDDHARTHA SHANKAR SHARMA
(ASSOCIATED PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY)
INTODUCTION
The virus that causes COVID19, SARS-CoV-2, has undergone a number of modifications that have led to

he virus that causes COVID19, SARS-CoV-2, has undergone a number of modifications that have led to

the formation of new strains or variations.

Since all viruses develop variants over time, the development of new COVID-19 variants is not unusual. It
has always been expected by those researching the illness and creating COVID vaccinations that new
strains would continue to emerge. The COVID vaccines and their boosters continue to be our most
effective weapon against all COVID-19 strains since they continue to greatly lessen the illness's severity.
When a strain outlives the original virus or prior variants of concern, it may occasionally be classified as
a "variant of concern." Unlike the original, they can spread more readily from one person to another.
Additionally, they could alter their propensity to lead to significant sickness. Yes is the clear-cut
response. There is no proof that these COVID-19 viral variations or any other variants are totally immune
to vaccination.

HISTORY
There are several different SARS-CoV-2 variants, but the
ancestral strain was first discovered in

December 2019 and is sometimes referred to as the

"original" or "Wuhan" strain. Recombinant viruses develop
when several types infect the same person simultaneously
and exchange genetic material with one another to alter
their structure. When community transmission levels are
high, recombination occurrences are more common. The World Health Organization (WHO) method,
which uses letters of the Greek alphabet to name variants of concern and interest, serves as the
foundation for naming conventions for variants. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron are just a few
of the variations that the WHO has identified as being of concern.
Current Status of COVID Variants
The COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, has continually changed during the epidemic, giving rise to variants
that are distinct from the original virus. The COVID vaccines and their boosters continue to be our most

effective weapon against all COVID-19 strains despite the fact that other SARS-CoV-2 variants have been
discovered both domestically and internationally. This is because the vaccines continue to greatly lessen
the severity of the illness.

TYPES OF VARIANT

Delta variant: -This variant was first identified in India and is highly transmissible. It has been found in
many countries and is now the dominant variant in many places.

Beta variant: -This variant was first identified in South Africa and has mutations that may help it evade
some of the immune responses generated by vaccination or previous infection.

Gamma variant: -This variant was first identified in Brazil and has mutations that may help it evade
some of the immune responses generated by vaccination or previous infection.

Lambda variant: -This variant was first identified in Peru and has mutations that may help it evade
some of the immune responses generated by vaccination or previous infection.

Omicron variant: -This variant was first identified in South Africa in November 2021 and has since
spread to many countries. It has a large number of mutations and has raised concerns due to its
potential for increased transmissibility and ability to evade some of the immune responses generated by
vaccination or previous infection. Along with Omicron, additional worrying variations including Alpha,
Beta, Gamma, and Delta have evolved and spread around the world. Different mutations in these
variants impact their transmissibility, severity, and potential for vaccination resistance. For instance, the
extremely contagious Delta variation, which was discovered for the first time in India in December 2020,
has spread widely and is now the predominant strain. The spike protein of the virus, which is the focus
of many COVID-19 vaccines, is affected by mutations in the Delta variation. It is necessary to conduct
more research to see whether these mink variations will result in persistent transmission among people
and whether they would negatively affect protective measures like immunisations. To tackle the SARS-
CoV-2 variations that are now circulating, researchers are working to create new vaccines and
treatments. Booster doses created by several vaccine producers are already intended to offer additional
defence against the new strains. For some populations, such as the elderly and those with underlying
medical issues, these booster doses are advised. For preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its
variations, other tactics such as testing, contact tracing, and social isolation are also crucial.

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of

COVID-19

 Get vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you.

 Stay at least 1 metre apart from others, even if they

don’t appear to be sick.

 Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing

is not possible or when in poorly ventilated settings.

 Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed

ones. Open a window if indoors.

 Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or

clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.

 Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

 If you feel unwell, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.

CONCLUSION:-
The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, has undergone a number of modifications that have led to
the formation of new strains or variations. Different mutations in these variants impact their
transmissibility, severity, and potential for vaccination resistance. In order to battle the new strains of
SARSCoV-2, researchers are actively striving to create new vaccines and therapies. The current COVID-19
vaccines and their boosters continue to be our most effective weapon against all COVID-19 strains since
they considerably lessen the illness's severity. For preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its
variations, other tactics such as testing, contact tracing, and social isolation are also crucial. Individuals
must continue to abide by public health advice and rules in order to safeguard themselves.