Transmissible coronavirus variant

Transmissible coronavirus variant span>

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, several transmissible variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 had been identified. These variants, often referred to as "variants of concern" or "variants of interest," were of concern because they exhibited changes in their genetic makeup (mutations) that could potentially impact their transmissibility, severity of illness, and vaccine effectiveness.

Some of the notable variants identified up to that point included:

1. Alpha (B.1.1.7): First identified in the United Kingdom, this variant was found to be more transmissible than the original strain.

2. Beta (B.1.351): Originating in South Africa, this variant had mutations that raised concerns about its potential impact on vaccine effectiveness.

3. Gamma (P.1): Initially discovered in Brazil, the Gamma variant shared some mutations with Beta and also raised concerns about vaccine resistance.

4. Delta (B.1.617.2): First identified in India, the Delta variant was highly transmissible and became dominant in many parts of the world. It was associated with increased hospitalization rates.

5. Lambda (C.37): Originating in Peru, the Lambda variant was monitored for its potential to evade immunity and increase transmissibility.

6. Mu (B.1.621): This variant was first identified in Colombia and has been under investigation for its potential impact on vaccine efficacy and transmissibility.

It's important to note that the situation with SARS-CoV-2 is dynamic, and new variants may have emerged since my last update in September 2021. Additionally, the impact of these variants on the COVID-19 pandemic can vary depending on a range of factors, including vaccination rates, public health measures, and individual behavior.

For the most up-to-date information on transmissible coronavirus variants, I recommend consulting official sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as they regularly monitor and provide information on emerging variants and their characteristics.