Quick Response Needed to Control New Hybrid Viruses
Two variants of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which were first identified in the United Kingdom and the United States, have merged into a heavily-mutated hybrid virus, marking a new chapter of the virus mutation.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Two variants of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which were first identified in the United Kingdom and the United States, have merged into a heavily-mutated hybrid virus, marking a new chapter of the virus mutation. In order to avoid more mutations, quick response is needed to control Covid-19 through surveillance, social distancing and vaccination.
The mutation, which occurs due to "recombination" was first discovered in a sample of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in California, US. The hybrid virus is the result of the recombination of the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant found in the UK and B.1.429 variant first reported in California and which may be responsible for a recent wave of cases in Los Angeles because it carries a mutation making it resistant to some antibodies.