A variant of the coronavirus first found in the UK has been given a mutation that could make it more resistant to vaccines, according to a new analysis from Public Health England.
The variant, known as B.1.1.7, was first discovered in December and is spreading rapidly across the UK. It has since appeared in 72 countries. It is much more transmissible than other strains, and there is evidence that it can cause more deaths.
In the US, the variant has been discovered in 32 states, but experts believe that it is probably much wider and that it could become the dominant strain in March.
According to the analysis, the estimated dose for cases with the mutation is 25 to 40 percent higher than the estimated attack rates for other strains.
Another mutation, known as E484K, is related to strains in Brazil and South Africa that are more resistant to existing vaccines.
The existing vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are effective against the B.1.1.7 strain, but the variant found in South Africa is more problematic. Trial data from Johnson & Johnson and Novavax show that their COVID-19 vaccines are not as effective against them.
The South African variant known as B.1.351 has so far been reported in 31 countries and at least two states.
According to Public Health England, preliminary investigation found that the E484K mutation occurs in more than one of the B.1.1.7 variants.
If this is the case, it is a sign that the mutation is a relatively easy way to benefit the virus.
Experts believe that the best way to prevent further mutations and more dangerous variants is for people to be vaccinated as quickly as possible, because more immune people are less likely to spread and develop the virus.
Vaccines can be updated to specifically address the mutation, and mRNA vaccines – which include the Pfizer and Moderna products – are particularly suitable for updating.