DNA Explainer: Know about the new COVID-19 variant C.1.2, which may be worse than Delta

With warning signs that it may be worse than the Delta strain, the baddest variant of concern (VOC) till date, the C.1.2 has raised alarm that this may be the beginning of a potential round 2 of ‘world vs COVID-19’.

The new COVID-19 variant, has been detected not just in South Africa and at least 7 other countries which includes China, England, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mauritius.

The global alarm resulted from a pre-print study released by a group of researchers in South Africa who detected the new, rapid mutations on the original C.1 strain that was detected back in January 2021.

NEW VARIANT—a new #SARSCoV2 variant C.1.2 just identified in South Africa & several countries, with concerns it could be more infectious and evade vaccines. #C12 also has mutation rate that is nearly **twice as fast** as the rate of the other variants.https://t.co/r4RReDcAIe pic.twitter.com/a432jYiexE

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) August 30, 2021

The C.1.2, first detected in May 2021, may be more infectious and better equipped to evade many of COVID-19 vaccines currently available, as per the new study by National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform in South Africa. The WHO is reportedly investigating and following up on the new variant.

Here’s what we know about the potential Variant of Concern C.1.2 so far.

May be worse than Delta

Although the study awaits peer review, it is being taken seriously by authorities around the world. The study didn’t just discover substantial mutation in C.1.2, but also that it is genetically farther from the original Wuhan strain than any of the Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants of Interest (VOI) discovered around the world till date.

Moreover, the study suggests that the C.1.2 mutates twice as fast as other variants with 41.8 mutations per year.

These significant takeaways from the results of the research point out to the possibility of C.1.2 ending up as more dangerous compared to the deadly Delta variant which is globally the most potent COVID-19 Variant of Concern so far.

However, the scientists did add that further research was needed to understand and confirm where C.1.2 stands in comparison to Delta variant.

To date there are ~100 sequences of C.1.2 reported globally, the earliest reports from May ‘21 from.

At this time, C.1.2 does not appear to be in circulation, but we need more sequencing to be conducted & shared globally. Delta appears dominant from available sequences. pic.twitter.com/GaUqRsUFyv

— Maria Van Kerkhove (@mvankerkhove) August 30, 2021

Why it could undo much of the global vaccination progress

There are two significant mutations in C.1.2 that could likely mean that the new variant can evade types of antibodies produced by some vaccines as well as those developed in people after COVID-19 infections from Alpha and Beta variants.

The new variant has mutated so fast and so far, that it is genetically distant from the original Wuhan strain, implying that vaccines that were developed based on the original strain may be rendered ineffective.

Its faster mutation rate at 1.7x to 1.8x also mirrors the pattern of emergence seen in prior dangerous VOCs. As per a scientist part of the study, the results should be considered “a hurricane warning on the next potential variant.”

Caution for India

India is bracing itself for a potential third wave of COVID-19 in the coming months. If C.1.2 renders the vaccines being currently administered ineffective, that spells a potentially disastrous situation.

While not detected in India so far, the potential easing of travel restrictions and reopening of establishments ahead of the festive season, there needs to be more caution with the C.1.2 variant being touted as vaccine-resistant.