brand logo

Three mutations of Delta variant: Seen in 70% CMC sequencing samples 

21 Aug 2021

  • Mutations in Delta protein may result in new Covid-19 lineage: J’pura Uni 
  • SA 222V commonly detected; high transmissibility expected   
  • First time mutations trio detected in single lineage: Dr. Jeewandara 
  • Another sequencing round in CMC on mutations’ transmissibility  
BY Aazam Ameen  With the recent detection of the SA 222V, SA 701S, and SA 1078S mutations of the virulent B.1.617.2 Delta variant of Covid-19 in the country, The Sunday Morning learnt that studies are underway to understand the significance of the said mutations including the possibility of the development of a new Covid-19 lineage.  Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Sri Jayewardenepura University Allergy, Immunology, and Cell Biology Unit Director Dr. Chandima Jeewandara explained that the detected mutations in the S protein of the variant could be favourable to the virus, which may lead to the development of a new lineage.  With regard to the SA 222V mutation of the Delta variant, Dr. Jeewandara noted that it is a common mutation which has been detected from various areas. Elaborating further, he said that scientists predict that it may display higher transmissibility levels.  In terms of the SA 701S and SA 1078S mutations, The Sunday Morning learns that these are sporadic findings and that their significance is not known yet.  Additionally, Dr. Jeewandara added that these mutations were observed in about 70% of the sequencing samples obtained from the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.  “Since the SA 222V, SA 701S, and SA 1078S mutations of the Delta variant are present in about 70% of the sequencing samples obtained from the CMC area, it can be said that the Delta variant with these mutations is dominant in the Western Province. This is also the first time that this trio of mutations has been detected in one lineage,” he told The Sunday Morning.  When queried as to whether these mutations will have an effect on the efficacy of and response to Covid-19 vaccines including the antibody-based immunity response, he explained that such information is not known yet.   “Other factors along with the response to the vaccines are not known at present, as it will take some time to understand these aspects,” Dr. Jeewandara explained.  However, he noted that the situation is being closely monitored, and that another round of gene sequencing will be conducted within the CMC area to assess whether the Delta variant with these three mutations will have an advantage in terms of transmissibility. 


More News..