The two less known variants of Covid: R.1 and C.1.2 !

Since the time SARS-CoV-2 1st emerged and spread rapidly, scientists were confident about the fact that the virus would mutate over time. By infecting the cells of a host organism, the virus is replicating and then transmitting itself to another host organism. There is a chance that the replication process can go wrong when a virus replicates. In the genetic code, this creates mutation. Viruses that contain the mutated genetic code are called variants.

No matter how transmissible a virus is, some mutations may not change, and others may boost the new variant’s ability to cause infection in new hosts, reduce it, or leave it unchanged. Less infectious virus variants stop their transmission and may die out. There are variants that are still infectious and can continue spreading and there are also variants that are more infectious and will rapidly spread. Scientists have detected many variants in the case of SARS-CoV-2.

R.1 Variant –

R.1. variant has received a lot of attention. In October 2020, it was 1st detected in Texas. In November 2020, it was detected in Japan and California in September 2021. WHO has designated the R.1 variant one of many that are under investigation and monitoring. This new variant has mutations that make them more infectious. But till now, scientists do not have much information regarding this.

It has now spread globally. There are reports of R.1 causing outbreaks in specific settings or establishments, which is of increased virulence or transmissibility. This new variant has the D614G mutation and this mutation is linked with increased infectivity. In spring 2020, the same mutation was found in the variant that was found in Europe. It is not growing substantially and is not as infectious as Delta Variant

This variant, according to experts, does not show evidence of being able to evade SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Vaccines offer the same level of protection to this variant as other variants. Humans should not be overly concerned about this variant at this stage. The concern of this variant at the public health level is low because both WHO and CDC have not called it a variant of concern. The control measures for this are also the same.

C.1.2 Variant –

The researchers have identified a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 called C.1.2 in recent research. The research was carried out by NICD Johannesburg, South Africa, and other institutes of the country. It was discovered in May 2021. Now it has been found in seven different countries. 

Experts say that C.1.2 contains many mutations in the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma variants of SARS-CoV-2. These mutations make it easier for the virus to enter target cells, resists current vaccines and treatment and transmit from one person to another. Scientists are concerned about this variant because of its quick mutation. This variant also contains many mutations that have been associated with increased transmissibility. It can evade antibodies in other variants. As this variant is just a few months old, not many details are available. But experts said in recent month the cases of this variant has increased.