OREANDA-NEWS. The identified mutations of the new COVID-19 strain from India indicate that this variant is highly infectious and its resistance to antibodies produced both in those who have been ill and in those who have been vaccinated. This was reported to RIA Novosti in the press service of the World Health Organization.

WHO said new variants have been identified in India, including B.1.617. It is a variant with mutations E484Q and L452R that was first identified in India from samples collected on December 1, 2020. The organization noted that the study of these mutations continues.

Preliminary research results, according to experts, say that the L452R mutation may affect the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody treatments, while E484Q can neutralize antibodies. Thus, the antibodies developed in a person who has recovered from COVID-19 will not help in the fight against the new variant of the virus.

At the same time, the new strain also has a high degree of virulence, like the strains identified in the UK, South Africa and Brazil.

According to WHO estimates, it is not yet clear what influenced the mutations of the virus in India, but it is likely that one of the factors was the holding of mass events that increased its spread, as well as the mitigation of anti-corruption measures in the country.