What is Arcturus Variant of COVID 19? How it Differs from other COVID-19 Variants?

 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, new variants of the virus have emerged, causing concern among health officials and the general public. One of the latest variants to emerge is the Arcturus variant, also known as the B.1.617.3 variant. This blog post will explore what the Arcturus variant is, how it differs from other COVID-19 variants, and what implications it may have for the ongoing pandemic.

 

What is the Arcturus variant of COVID-19?

The Arcturus variant is a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It was first identified in India in April 2021 and has since been detected in other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore.

The Arcturus variant is part of the B.1.617 lineage, which also includes the B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 variants. The B.1.617 lineage is sometimes referred to as the "Indian variant," although this term is somewhat misleading, as the variants have also been detected in other countries.

 

How does the Arcturus variant differ from other COVID-19 variants?

The Arcturus variant has several mutations that distinguish it from other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One of the most significant mutations is the E484K mutation, which is also present in other variants, such as the Beta variant (B.1.351) and the Gamma variant (P.1). This mutation is believed to reduce the effectiveness of antibodies generated by the immune system in response to a COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Another mutation in the Arcturus variant is the L452R mutation, which is also present in the Delta variant (B.1.617.2). This mutation has been associated with increased transmissibility and the ability to evade the immune system.

 

What are the implications of the Arcturus variant for the ongoing pandemic?

The emergence of the Arcturus variant has raised concerns about its potential impact on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The variant appears to be more transmissible than the original strain of the virus, although it is not yet clear whether it is more or less transmissible than other variants, such as the Delta variant.

There is also some evidence to suggest that the Arcturus variant may be more resistant to immunity generated by COVID-19 vaccines or previous infections. However, it is important to note that the vaccines currently in use are still effective against the Arcturus variant, although they may be slightly less effective than they are against other variants.

To date, there have been relatively few cases of the Arcturus variant detected globally, and it is not yet clear whether it will become a dominant strain of the virus. However, health officials are closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to prevent the spread of the variant, such as increased testing and contact tracing. In case, if you are feeling such symptoms, quickly book an appointment with your nearest specialist.

 

What can be done to prevent the spread of the Arcturus variant?

The measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of the Arcturus variant are similar to those that have been recommended for other variants of the virus. These include:

 

1. Getting vaccinated:

The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available have been shown to be effective against the Arcturus variant, although they may be slightly less effective than they are against other variants. Getting vaccinated can help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

 

2. Practicing good hygiene:

Regular hand washing, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distance can help prevent the spread of the virus.

 

3. Avoiding large gatherings:

Large gatherings increase the risk of transmission, so it is important to avoid them where possible.