The ‘Delta variant’

The Covid19 variant B.1.617.2, was first detected in India. It is known as the ‘Delta variant’ which transmits faster and is more infectious than the Alpha variant (B.1.617.1 strain) which was first spotted in Kent- UK. The WHO (World Health Organization) categorized it as a Variant of Concern (VOC).

According to the WHO, the strain is found in 62 countries. It is becoming the dominant variant in several countries. The second wave in India, which caused the devastation is because of this variant.

Why B.1.617.2 is a VOC?

  • This variant has 12 mutations in its spike protein compared to the initial strain that broke out in Wuhan.
  • More ACE2 enzymes appears to be assisting the entry of coronaviruses around the mutations L452R and T478K that characterized the variant.
  • The vaccines are only 33% effective against symptomatic disease from B.1.617.2 variant 3 weeks after the 1st dose but were 50% effective against B.1.1.7.

Delta variant’s resistance to the vaccine is high. The effectiveness of vaccine for this variant after the second dose is higher, but it is low for delta while comparing to the Alpha. Most of the cases reporting are people who aren’t vaccinated, 2 doses of the vaccine could possibly prevent from getting infected. In case of infection despite having vaccinated, it would reduce the level of infection caused by the virus.