Highlights
Two new mutations have been found in coronavirus samples from Amravati and Yavatmal districts in Maharashtra.
The genome sequencing of the samples did not show the UK, South African or Brazilian strains of the virus.
Pune: Two new mutations have been found in coronavirus samples from Amravati and Yavatmal districts of eastern Maharashtra on Thursday, a senior official told PTI. However, the genome sequencing of the samples did not show the UK, South African or Brazilian strains of the virus.
The researchers also discovered that the mutation can escape neutralizing antibodies. In the past one week, both
The genome sequencing was conducted on 24 samples four each from
But in Amravati, Yavatmal and Satara, they also came across different mutations, Dr Karyekarte said. In Amravati, we came across a mutation named E484K in all the four samples.
When we inquired if all samples belonged to one family, we were told they were taken from different locations, so the conclusion was that it was a common mutation, he said.
The character of the strain found in Amravati is that it escapes neutralizing antibodies, he said. In a nutshell, even if there are neutralizing antibodies in the human body, the particular mutation escapes or saves itself from these antibodies, Dr Karyekarte said.
Maharashtra govt fights to curb Covid crisis, imposes fresh lockdowns, rules | Top Developments
Maharashtra govt fights to curb Covid crisis, imposes fresh lockdowns, rules | Top Developments
The Maharashtra government on Thursday announced a slew of new Covid guidelines including lockdowns in Yavatmal and Amaravati and stricter curbs in Mumbai in a bid to control the new surge of coronavirus cases.
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UPDATED: February 19, 2021 09:35 IST
The measures came on a day when Maharashtra reported 5,427 new Covid-19 cases, a daily tally not seen in more than two months. (Photo: PTI)
The Maharashtra government on Thursday announced a slew of new Covid guidelines including lockdowns across various regions in the state in a bid to curb the new surge of coronavirus cases.