From the beginning of the pandemic, an imminent danger was warned. One characteristic that viruses have is their tendency to mutate. Therefore, one of the concerns surrounding SARS-CoV-2 is that its combat could be complicated by these changes. Since then, the appearance of new variants has been constantly notified and the most recent is the P.6. The risk is that some of them may even decrease the effectiveness of current Covid-19 vaccines.
When and where did it appear?
Based on what was published by the news agency EFE It was in Uruguay where this new variant emerged. While the news was released just today, it is estimated that the first cases appeared in November 2020 and were active until March of this year. Since then there has been a noticeable decrease because now other mutations represent the majority of new cases.
For its part, the Pasteur Institute of Montevideo stated that the variant now called P.6 was detected thanks to a study carried out by researchers from the Inter-Institutional Working Group (GTI) on genomic surveillance of the virus.
The mutations that have spread in Latin America
Now, when talking about Latin America, current studies have shown that the Gamma and Delta variants are the ones that have a greater presence. In addition, many of the countries in the region are currently experiencing significant spikes in infections.
According to the GISAID database in Mexico, the Delta variant could be detected in almost half (45%) of the new cases of Covid-19 registered in the four weeks prior to June 22.
While until recently this same variant was also the dominant one in Peru, although with an abrupt difference. During May, practically 100 percent of new Covid-19 infections were identified with this mutation. Although in June the South American country witnessed the emergence of a new strain called Lambda.
Finally, GISAID figures indicate that this new mutation has already spread to Chile, where it accounts for almost 14 percent of new infections. While in Ecuador it represents nine percent and in Mexico almost five percent.
Regarding the variant P.6 of Uruguay, it is indicated that at this time its presence is minimal. Although what remains to be investigated is whether it managed to expand to other countries.
Finally, although so far there are multiple variants that have been identified, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are only 11 considered among the most dangerous and they are divided into two groups. It all stems from the fact that they are more easily transmitted but also decrease the effectiveness of current Covid-19 vaccines.
Variants of concern
Alpha – B.1.1.7 – Released in the UK.
Beta – B.1.351 – Appeared in South Africa.
Gamma – P.1 – Appeared in Brazil.
Delta – B.1.617.2 – Appeared in India.
Variants of interest
Epsilon – B.1.427 / B.1.429 – Released in the United States.
Eta – B.1.525 – No defined origin.
Theta – P.3 – Appeared in the Philippines.
Iota – B.1.526 – Appeared in the United States.
Kappa – B.1.617.1 – Appeared in India.
Lambda – C.37 – Appeared in Peru.
Zeta – P.2 – Appeared in Brazil.