What is Delta Plus Variant and Other Related Questions

After the devastating 2^nd wave of COVID-19, a new mutated version of the Delta variant has made its appearance. The transmissibility of the variant is still under monitor and lab tests are still going on to check the effectiveness of vaccines against the Delta Plus variant of the virus.

Delta Plus Variant of Covid-19: An Introduction

The Delta variant or B.1.617.2 wreaked havoc in India causing the second wave of the pandemic in March and April months of 2021. It was first detected in India. However, this variant has now mutated into AY.1 and AY.2 variants, which are named Delta Plus.

Dr Sujit Singh, the chief of the National Centre for Disease Control stated that it is necessary to decipher the constant evolution of the B.1.617.2 variant of SARS-CoV2.

Delta acquired a mutation called K417N in the protein forming the Delta Plus. World Health Organization has classified the K417N mutation conceded by both AY.1 and AY.2, as a variant of concern. This mutation was also detected in the Beta variant or B.1.351, which was first found in South Africa.

Places where this Variant is Reported

In the first week of June 2021, a report released by Public Health England stated that 63 genomes of Delta with K417N was identified on Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). These 63 genomes comprised one each in Germany, Canada, and Russia; two in Nepal; nine in Poland; four in Switzerland; six in India; 13 in Japan; 12 in Portugal; and 14 in the US.

Delta Plus: A Variant of Concern

Amid all the chaos of the pandemic, everyone is occupied with the doubt about the Delta Plus variant. Is it a variant of concern? Will it be the reason for 3^rd wave of the pandemic in India and all other countries?

The World Health Organization has enlisted Delta as a variant of concern while the government of India has categorized Delta Plus (AY.1) as a variant of concern in the country.

Although dominance of Delta Plus in India is still low in India, scientists worry about the fact that it might make the virus more communicable or more contagious, even both.

Are the Vaccines Effective against this Variant?

Yet to be found out. Delta variant of the virus is only discreetly resilient to vaccines, especially in people who received just one dose.

To be more precise, a Public Health English study revealed that a single dose of either Pfizer or AstraZeneca has reduced the chances of developing Covid-19 symptoms instigated by Delta variant by only 33%, compared to its 50% effectiveness against the Alpha variant.

On the contrary, a second dosage of the AstraZeneca vaccine reduced the risk of contracting Delta to 60% compared to 66% against Alpha. On the other hand, two doses of Pfizer were proved to be 88% effective compared to 93% against Alpha.

Looking Forward...

Definitely, everyone is looking forward to the effect of Delta Plus variant of Covid-19. Scientists are expected to come up with helpful information related to the new variant soon. Till then, let’s keep ourselves and our near and dear ones safe by staying inside and following all the regulations imposed by the government.

About the Author(s)

   

Upama Goswami

Upama Goswami is a creative writer, editor, aspiring poet, and life-long learner of philosophy, literature, technology, and all things interesting. Her works have been published in various online publications. Upama is quite creative in her craft and can engage her audience with a compelling style of storytelling. She loves to paint, travel, exploring different niches of performing arts, watching movies, and learn new languages in her free time.