There Probably Aren't Different Strains of SARS-CoV-2 (Yet)

TL;DR

Scientists are studying the mutations and lineages of SARS-CoV-2 to understand how the virus spreads, but it is still unclear if these mutations create new strains.

Transcript

This episode was filmed on May 12th, 2020. If we have more recent episodes about the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ll include them in the description. Every year, we need to make a new flu vaccine. That’s because there are multiple strains of the flu, and that one most likely to become a problem changes from year to year. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😳 SARS-CoV-2 is mutating at a slower rate than the flu virus.
• ❓ Mutations in the virus can provide insight into its origins and transmission patterns.
• ❓ The impact of specific mutations on the virus's behavior and virulence is still uncertain.
• ❓ Different lineages of SARS-CoV-2 may have originated from different regions.
• ❓ Studies on mutations and lineages should undergo peer review for validation.
• ❓ Functional significance cannot be determined solely by genetic sequencing.
• ☠️ Vaccines developed for SARS-CoV-2 may remain effective for a significant period due to the virus's relatively slow mutation rate.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the concept of "strain" apply to viruses like SARS-CoV-2?

The term "strain" refers to an evolutionary lineage of a virus that has picked up enough mutations to behave differently from its cousins. It could mean infecting a new species or spreading faster.

Q: How are scientists studying the mutations of SARS-CoV-2?

Scientists sequence and compare samples of the virus from patients to track different lineages and their spread over time. This helps determine the origin of the virus and its potential variants.

Q: What is the significance of the D to G mutation in SARS-CoV-2?

The D to G mutation affects the spike protein of the virus, which it uses to infect cells. It has been suggested that this mutation could impact the virulence or transmissibility of the virus, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Q: Are the mutations and lineages of SARS-CoV-2 considered new strains?

Currently, there is not enough evidence to classify any branch on SARS-CoV-2's family tree as a new strain. While distinct lineages exist, they do not seem to act differently enough to be considered new strains.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Every year, a new flu vaccine is needed due to multiple strains of the flu. Scientists are studying if SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is also developing into different strains.

• SARS-CoV-2 is mutating relatively slowly compared to the flu, but mutations are still happening. By studying these mutations, scientists can track how different lineages of the virus spread over time.

• There are distinct lineages of SARS-CoV-2, but it is unclear if these lineages act differently from each other. The mutations could potentially impact the virus's ability to infect or cause damage, but more research is needed to understand the functional significance.