B.1.526
First detected in New York
We don’t have a lot of information on B.1.526 yet. There are only two studies so far (which are not even peer-reviewed yet), but both are telling the same story. So, B.1.536 has caught our attention. This is what we know…
Detection
B.1.526 was first detected in New York City in November
B.1.526 was detected using a new, fancy computer program that Cal Tech scientists recently invented. The program’s sole purpose is to find patterns of new variants on the rise. We are transitioning from defense to offense (which is great news).
Spread
By mid-February, B.1.526 accounted for 15- 27.8% (dependent on the study) of samples sequenced
From late December to mid-February, there was “an alarming 12.3% rise”
Mutation Make-up
B.1.526 has many mutations on the spike protein. There are four concerning ones:
E484K: This is also found on B.1.351 (variant first discovered in South Africa) and P.1/B.1.1.248 (variant first discovered in Brazil). We already know this mutation reduces neutralizing antibodies from the vaccines AND doesn’t work against some antibody treatments. E484K mutation keeps showing up in different variants across the globe (unrelated) which is an indication that it offers the virus a significant advantage
S477N: This mutation is near the binding site of multiple antibodies and increases infectivity of COVID19 by interacting with our cells’ doors (called ACE2 receptors)
D253G: A change that we have already seen able to escape antibodies
A701V: A mutation also shared with B.1.351
Impact on Transmission and Disease
One study showed that patients with one mutation (E484K) were older (58.1 vs 52.4 years) and more likely go to the Emergency Department or be admitted to the hospital (85.9% vs 70.8%) than patients with the old variant.
There was no difference in ICU admission or length of hospital stay
Bottom Line
I’m not a fear mongering person, but the NY and CA variants are concerning. Another scientist stated: “The overall pattern of mutations suggests that B.1.526 arose in part in response to selective pressure from antibodies.” This is not good.
We need a whole lot more studies to evaluate B.1.526’s impact on…
Transmission
Disease progression (i.e. ICU admission and death)
Vaccine efficacy
Love, YLE