Observed for the first time in South Africa, the new variant of Covid-19, called BA.2.87.1, presents more than a hundred mutations within its genome.
- A new variant of Covid-19 has been identified in South Africa.
- The BA.2.87.1 variant descends from the Omicron family.
- More than 100 mutations have been observed within the genome of the BA.2.87.1 variant, which means that this strain is evolving.
Covid-19 indicators “remained at low levels reflecting moderate circulation of SARS-CoV-2”announced Public Health France in its latest epidemiological bulletin dating from February 28. Despite the slowdown in the circulation of the virus, health authorities remain cautious about the emergence of new variants.
SARS-CoV-2: a new variant observed in South Africa
Last January, a variant, which descends from the Omicron family, was identified in sequencing from South Africa. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDU) announced that it is closely monitoring this new mutation, called BA.2.87.1. As with BA.2.86, its predecessor, the scientific community fears that this strain will spread very quickly and become a dominant variant.
After infecting cells, viruses multiply and make copies of themselves. “This process is not perfect and the copies may contain “errors”: the famous mutations. The genetic material of the viral copies then differs from the genetic material of the initial virus. These mutations may have no consequences, or even have a negative effect on the virus. Others, however, can have an impact, for example on the transmissibility of the virus or on the severity of the disease.”has explained Inserm.
Strain BA.2.87.1: around thirty mutations present near the Spike protein
Concerning the BA variant. 2.87.1, its genome contains more than 100 mutations, according to information from the Dispatch. We can thus speak of a “hypermutated” variant. “This is probably the most divergent lineage identified this year”explained Tulio de Oliveira, director of the Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation at the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa), to the daily. In addition, this variant also has around thirty mutations present near the Spike protein, which allows SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells and contaminate the body. For the specialist, “this indicates a significant evolution of the virus”.
For the moment, there have been few cases of contamination by the BA variant. 2.87.1 in South Africa, but this new strain must be carefully monitored. “It absolutely needs to be monitored and controlled. We hope that it does not become predominant,” said Massimo Ciccozzi, epidemiologist. In France and globally, the JN.1 variant is currently dominant, and the other variants “are detected in low proportions”specified Public Health France.
