Emerging variants of novel coronavirus – myth and reality

Abstract

The new coronavirus has crossed the species barrier leading to the pandemic of COVID-19. The lengthy circulation of the virus within the human population has enabled the development of many new viral variants, some of which are conducive to further pathogen spread. Notable variants are those that contain mutations within the S gene, particularly within the region that codes for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that links to the hACE-2 receptor. These mutations are responsible for increased viral transmission and influence disease severity, reliability of clinical tests, as well as vaccine efficacy. At present, the variant first identified in the United Kingdom poses the greatest threat in Europe.

Keywords: coronavirus; COVID-19; variant; SARS-CoV-2; emerging virus