Just In
- 2 hrs ago Russian Influencer Starves His Newborn To Death With Sunlight Diet, Know Dos And Don’ts Of This Diet
- 4 hrs ago Mahavir Jayanti 2024: Date, Time, History, Celebrations And Teachings Of Lord Mahavir In Jainism
- 5 hrs ago Parineeti Chopra Saree Looks: Check Amar Singh Chamkila Actor's Regal Fashion Statements
- 7 hrs ago Vidya Balan's 'Do Aur Do Pyaar' Urban Boho Style Avatar Is Relatable And Inspiring, Check Her Modern Avatar!
Don't Miss
- Movies Manjummel Boys Telugu OTT Release Date: When & Where To Watch Soubin Shahir's Sensational Survival Drama
- Education UP Board 12th Result Toppers List 2024; Check the Names, Ranks, Marks and Districts here
- News Doordarshan's New Orange Logo Draws Criticism, Ex-Boss Takes A Dig
- Sports IPL 2024: CSK coach Stephen Fleming talks about space 'owned' by MS Dhoni, calls 42-year-old heartbeat of team
- Finance Elon Musk Postpones India Trip, Tesla's Indian Market Entry Delayed
- Technology Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Under Rs 5,000: CMF Buds Pro, Redmi Buds 5, Realme Buds Air 5, and More
- Automobiles Tesla CEO Elon Musk's Much-Awaited Visit to India Deferred, Leaving Questions Unanswered
- Travel Journey From Delhi To Ooty: Top Transport Options And Attractions
COVID-19 Triple-Mutant Bengal Strain: Everything You Need To Know About The New Mutant Strain
As the pandemic situation continues to surge in the country, with India reporting the world's highest one-day tally today, the death rate has risen by 2,104 in the same time period; India's highest daily toll [1].
India has reported 314,835 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the country's total confirmed cases close to 16 million. Experts say that India is suffocating in the vicious second wave. An acute oxygen shortage is raising more fears, resulting in Delhi's highest court publicly criticising the central government for its handling of the oxygen crisis.
With the numbers rising every minute comes another COVID-19 update, the triple-mutant 'Bengal Strain.' The Indian-origin double mutant strain has been held responsible for the rapidly climbing caseload. Among this comes the third mutation to contend with.
So, what exactly is the triple-mutant Bengal strain?
What Is The Triple-Mutant Bengal Strain?
Dubbed as the 'Bengal strain', the mutated strain might be more infective. It may be capable of escaping a person's immune surveillance, even if that person was earlier exposed to a virus without this mutation, and even if vaccinated. And this is giving rise to concern amongst experts.
The Indian-origin double mutant strain of the coronavirus, B.1.167 that could be behind the rapid climb of the second COVID-19 wave was first detected way back on 5 October last year through genome sequencing of a virus sample [2].
The third mutation is said to have been evolved from the double mutation, where three different Covid strains have combined to form a new variant [3]. The mutated strain is called the Bengal strain. It was first reported in the state, followed by Maharashtra, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh [4].
How Did The COVID-19 Virus Mutate In West Bengal?
Experts stated, "There are many unknowns for this lineage at this moment, including its capability to cause reinfections as well as vaccine breakthrough infections. Additional experimental data is also required to assess the efficacy of vaccines against this variant" [5].
There is no evidence as to why the mutation occurred in West Bengal, and there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that those who are presently infected in West Bengal have been hit by this triple-mutant strain.
Is The Triple-Mutant Bengal Strain Dangerous?
According to current understandings, the mutated strain more infective than the previously reported strains. Experts add that the proportion of B.1.618 has been growing significantly in recent months in West Bengal. Along with B.1.617 (second mutation), it forms a major lineage in the state.
India's health ministry has only acknowledged the presence of the 'double mutant'. However, it has only been identified as a 'variant of interest' and not a 'variant of concern'. The mutated strains of the virus can also be detected through genome sequencing of samples collected from different states (Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh).
As per the current evidence, none of the major virus variants is associated with increased severity. However, increased transmissibility is associated with the UK variant (lineage B1.1.7). In contrast, the Brazilian and South African variants exhibit an ability to escape vaccine-induced immunity.
More Updates To Follow...
There has been no scientific research to either corroborate or dismiss the fears regarding the mutated Bengal strain.
- wellnessDrug That May Treat Serious COVID-19 Complication In Children Identified
- wellnessCOVID-19: DGCI Grants Restricted Emergency-Use Nod To Corbevax Vaccine For 12-18 Age Group
- healthNo Clear Evidence Yet On Omicron's Transmissibility, Immune Evasion, Severity In India: INSACOG
- healthIndia's Omicron Count Crosses 160
- healthCOVID-19: India Adds Ghana And Tanzania To List Of 'At-Risk' Countries
- health1 In 3 Indians Continue To Refrain From Carrying Masks When Stepping Out: Survey
- healthCOVID-19: Govt Writes To States/UT Over Rising Weekly Positivity Rates And Deaths
- healthOmicron: Is It Too Soon To Panic About Existing COVID Vaccines And The New Variant?
- healthCovaxin Gets WHO Approval For Emergency Use Listing
- womenExclusive: The Pandemic and Girls' Education - 11 Million Girls May Never Go Back To School And Here's Why
- disorders cureIndia Reports First Five Cases Of Cytomegalovirus Related Rectal Bleeding In COVID-19 Patients
- disorders cureHow To Download COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate Online? Step-By-Step Guide