The uncertain mutations of Covid-19

Almost 200 mutations of the new coronavirus have already been recorded since the start of the epidemic. Despite this impressive figure, these would be minor on the structure of the virus. However, recent research brings new elements: the dangerousness of these mutations would be variable. Indeed, if most of them have no influence on the very function of the virus, Chinese researchers have shown that certain mutations would lead to strains up to 270 times more virulent than others. This is what explains why from one region to another, the incidence of the epidemic is not the same.

A study, conducted by the University of Arizona and published in the Journal of Virology, evokes, it, a potential weakening of the Covid-19 over time. By analyzing several samples taken from infected patients, the scientists discovered that pieces of the genome had completely disappeared. It is this same phenomenon which had led in 2003 to the weakening of the Sars-Cov virus, then to its disappearance …

Another study from the Los Alamos National Laboratory is much less optimistic. According to the researchers, the current dominant strain of the virus is more dangerous than the original Chinese version. It would spread faster and make people more vulnerable to a second infection. In addition, the regular appearance of mutations greatly complicates the development of a Covid-19 vaccine.

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