10 cases of Bostwana new strain have been detected so far. This strain could be name “Nu”. It has been spotted in three countries and it is feared to grow. The scientific name of the virus is B.1.1.529.
This strain carries 32 mutations, many of which are vaccine resistant and easily transmissible. It even has more alterations in its spike proteins. Spike proteins help the virus to enter the body.
The first case was noticed in Bostwana on 11th November. Six cases were found in South Africa. One case was seen in Hong Kong.
Dr. Tom Peacock, A virologist at Imperial college worried that the number of mutations found on the variant is “horrific “and is a cause of concern. Meanwhile Professor Francois Balloux, a geneticist at University College London believes that the variant emerged after a long standing infection is an immune compromised patient.
Some scientists believe that a higher number of mutations could mean that the virus could be highly unstable and would not spread widely.
No cases have been found in Britain yet , which is the epicentre of the pandemic right now .
