New mutation makes coronavirus even more infectious

US researchers report a mutation in the coronavirus that makes it even more infectious. The identified changes contribute to an increase in the number of spines on the shell of SARS-CoV-2, with the help of which it attaches to cells. About this with reference to a new studyThe D614G mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reduces S1 shedding and increases infectivitywrites Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten.

The first news of the mutation of the virus came two months after the start of its spread. And there was nothing alarming about them, since viruses always mutate and often this makes them weaker. However, the situation is different with SARS-CoV-2. Researchers at the Scripps Institute in Florida reported the identification of a mutation that caused outbreaks in Italy and New York to be much larger than at the very beginning of the spread of the virus.

Reuters writesthat the identified mutation increases the number of thorns on the body of the virus four to five times, which makes the pathogen much more dangerous to humans. This is confirmed by tests with harmless types of viruses.

"In our cell cultures, viruses with this mutation were much more infectious than viruses without them."

Hayryun Cho, study co-author

According to scientists, the next few weeks and months will show whether changing the envelope of the virus will really affect the course of the pandemic. At least this will definitely explain the scale of the outbreak of coronavirus infection in the United States, where more than 2.2 million infected were already recorded on June 17.

Whether this mutation will lead to more severe symptoms in infected people or higher mortality is too early to say. Anyway, now that people are on the streets it became much more, it is important not to forget about preventive measures and wearing masks. Do not neglect personal protective equipment and keep your distance.

Coronavirus. Number of infected:

8 273 866

in the world

553 301

in Russia

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