UK Variant B117 mutates - "gene sequencing has shown that the E484K mutation has occurred spontaneously in a handful of cases of the UK variant" - Feb

[kiwibird]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55900625

The Kent variant of coronavirus that has been spreading around the UK appears to be undergoing some worrying new genetic changes, say scientists.

Tests on some samples show a mutation, called E484K, already seen in the South Africa and Brazil variants that are of concern.

Although this change may affect vaccine effectiveness, the current ones in use should still work, say experts.

The UK has already stepped up measures to control the spread of new variants.

Urgent testing for the South Africa variant is starting in parts of England and travel restrictions have been introduced to stop more cases entering from abroad.

Experts have only found a handful of cases of the UK variant with the E484K mutation.

It does not mean that this mutation is present in all versions of this variant.

 

[Treyfish]

Coronavirus Scotland: British variant mutates spontaneously leaving experts worried


A mutation of the UK variant of coronavirus has been described by scientists as "a worrying development" and could affect vaccines
By
Indigo Stafford
13:11, 2 FEB 2021

Scientists are concerned once again by the UK variant of coronavirus because it appears to have mutated to a new strain.

This new "mutation of concern" is known as E484K and scientists have described it as "a worrying development".

The mutation is already present in both South African and Brazilian coronavirus variants and experts believe it could have an impact on the effectiveness of some Covid-19 vaccines.
.....

Concerns are growing as a recent report published by Public Health England said gene sequencing has shown that the E484K mutation has occurred spontaneously in a handful of cases of the UK variant, reports PA media.

Dr Jonathan Stoye, group leader, Retrovirus-Host Interactions Laboratory at The Francis Crick Institute, ecplained "This suggests that the UK variant is now independently acquiring the E484K change.
.....
Prof Tang said that allowing spread could provide a "melting pot" for different emerging variants.

He said: "We really need to reduce our contact rates to reduce the opportunities for viral spread (and) replication to reduce the speed with which these different virus variants can evolve."..:tiphat:https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/new...rus-scotland-british-variant-mutates-19751908

 

[Treyfish]

02/02/2021 13:56 GMT
Coronavirus Mutations 'Of Concern' Found In Liverpool And Bristol

Matt Hancock tells public to "only leave home where it is absolutely essential".

......Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, Hancock added: “We have also seen 11 cases of mutations of concern in Bristol and 32 in Liverpool, and are taking the same approach.

“In all these areas it is imperative that people must stay at home and only leave home where it is absolutely essential.”

The health secretary said: “We must continue to act with caution, not least because of the renewed challenges posed by new variants of the coronavirus.”...:tiphat:
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/en...4UdKrR6qW1aI7MtGvGbe3w0_RLfGEl5r7dPqOA2IO3FjJ