Hundreds of variations of the Virus, SARS-CoV-2, have been identified worldwide so far. A new coronavirus variant, Lambda, also known as C.37, has emerged. The new mutation is believed to have emerged in Latin American country Peru in August of last year.
The new variant has now been found in at least 30 different countries. It is widespread in South American countries and is accounting for the spike in cases.
On 14th June, The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the new Lambda Variant as a “variant of interest,” due to its potential threat of proliferating COVID-19 infections.
The new variant accounts for almost 82 percent of the total cases in Peru reported in the month of May and June.
An increased number of lambda variant cases have emerged in the UK. Until now, no case of Lambda variant has been ascertained in India.
The scientists are afraid that the new variant, Lambda, may be resistant to the vaccines, and hence may be colossal imminence to the gains made over COVID-19 infection so far.
As per initial studies, the mutations present in the spike protein of the Lambda variant vastly reduce the vaccine efficiency compared to the Alpha and Gamma variants, although no comparison was made between the Lambda and Delta variants.
Studies suggest that the Delta variant has reduced vaccine efficiency to around 64%, the fact has led the WHO to think Lambda Variant may cause concern over a similar resistance.
Reports suggest that the new Variant, Lambda or C.37 is more infectious or deadly than the rest of the variants of SARS-CoV-2. As per experts, the Lambda variant can give rise to new COVID-19 waves.
The researchers from the University of Chile in Santiago wrote, “Our data show for the first time that mutations present in the spike protein of the lambda variant confer escape to neutralizing antibodies and increased infectivity.”
Till now, there is limited information available about the Lambda variant, but Initial studies suggest that this variant holds the potential to boost the resistance of antibodies generated via natural infection or vaccination.
“Lambda carries several mutations with potential increased transmissibility or possible increased resistance to neutralising antibodies,” The WHO acknowledged.
Reports suggest that the Lambda variant has an unusual set of mutations, making it hard for scientists to make sense of the possible threat from Lambda.
The spike protein, an essential component of the coronavirus, initiates the virus’ entry into the human cells and triggers infection. The Delta variant shows only three spike protein mutations, but the Lambda variant shows seven such mutations, and hence Lambda Variant more deadly and more infectious.
The WHO, however, has stressed that “further studies are required to validate the continued effectiveness of vaccines” with the new strain.