The new Lambda strain is breaking ground in Latin American countries and is not only more contagious but also more resistant to antibodies, causing a new headache for scientists.
Although the first case of the coronavirus lambda was detected in Peru a year ago, our knowledge of it is relatively limited.
In light of this, a recent study by researchers from Japan is particularly valuable, according to which the new strain includes 3 mutations that cause concern.
Rapid spread
The first Lambda cases worldwide
The spike protein of one of them is not recognized by the antibodies produced in a human body either because it was vaccinated or because it became infected with a coronavirus.
The result is that his immune response is attenuated and the vaccine does not adequately protect him. The other two mutations are responsible for the easier transmission of the Lambda strain.
These results of the study, which remains to be evaluated by the scientific community, explain why the so-called C37 strain is transmitted at such a speed. It is currently found in 30 countries, such as South America, Britain, Italy and Germany.
So far, the World Health Organization has classified it among the Variant of Interest.
But according to the Japanese research committee, he meets all the conditions to be upgraded to Variant of Convent, that is, a worrying executive.
The Delta strain found in the Indies also belongs to this category. Now, whether the Lambda strain dominates the Delta strain remains unknown so far.
Weak immune system
Only 80% worldwide vaccination fights coronavirus
Even though vaccination protection is attenuated by strains such as Delta, the number of fully vaccinated infections remains relatively low.
Vaccinated people who have been infected with the virus can transmit the virus to others, but most people who are vaccinated get the disease without serious symptoms or may be asymptomatic.
On the contrary, those who are fully vaccinated with a weak immune system, due to old age, cancer or transplanted organ, are more exposed.
Booster dose
In these the particular strain could cause serious complications. That is why those who belong to this category should, as a priority, make a third boost in the fall.
The Lambda strain has spread to Latin American countries. In Peru itself, more than 80% of cases are attributed to this strain.
However, a well-established scientific belief is that the coronavirus with its strains and mutations will be combated when an international immunity wall of almost 80% is built.
in.gr