One more. In the (large) family of variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, we will now have to reckon with the VOC 20I/484Q.
As of May 18, 2021, 37 cases of this variant had been detected in the Bordeaux region and – more specifically – in the Bacalan district: according to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of New Aquitaine, VOC 20I / 484Q spread during a family reunion (where barrier gestures had been little applied) then spread to two schools and two public establishments.
However, it would be wrong to speak of a “Bordeaux variant”: Indeed, according to Santé Publique France, a cluster of the VOC 20I/484Q variant had already been identified in Île-de-France in April 2021, in a healthcare facility. In addition, the health authorities specify that this variant has also been detected in a “sporadic” in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and in the Grand-Est in recent months.
Vaccination appears to be effective against the VOC 20I/484Q variant
Variant VOC 20I/484Q: what do we know about it? “This is a very common English variant with an additional mutation“explains Pr. Jean-Michel Pawlotsky, professor of virology at the CHU Henri Mondor, to our colleagues from Sunday newspaper. This mutation, called E484Q, concerns the Spike protein of the virus: it can also be observed in the Indian variant.
Variant VOC 20I/484Q: should we be worried? For the moment, the VOC 20I/484Q variant remains rather poorly known. However, there are several reassuring elements: firstly, “the elderly are not affected (…) the vaccine seems [donc] effective [contre ce variant]”says Prof. Pawlotsky. Deuzio, the symptoms caused by infection with the VOC 20I/484Q variant remain fairly standard:”no serious form has yet been reported“specifies the ARS of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Third, as explained by Santé Publique France, “detection of VOC 20I/484Q remains very rare internationally and in France“.
The concern that remains is that of a potential immune escape: clearly, the VOC 20I/484Q variant could “escape” the body’s antibodies. Public Health France nevertheless notes that “this is not demonstrated at this stage“.
To prevent the spread of the VOC 20I/484Q variant, vaccination is now open to all adults over the age of 18 in the Bacalan district of Bordeaux: 19,000 doses of vaccine will gradually be sent to an ephemeral vaccination center.
Sources:
- The Sunday JournalSunday, May 23, 2021
- Public Health France
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