Coronavirus mutates: scientists talked about a more contagious strain and new symptoms
'05.07.2020'
Source: Yellmed
“Cloboid mutant” does not make patients “more sick”, but spreads faster, writes Yellmed.
The mutated version of SARS-CoV-2 is stable - its structure rarely breaks in the human body. This was stated by experts from Florida, writes the Daily Mail.
As the study showed, the "protein-thorn" used by the virus to attach to the cells of the respiratory tract is constantly being improved. He seeks to adapt to the characteristics of human tissues. Now SARS-CoV-2 cleverly blocks receptors to gain access to the right places.
The genetic mutation not only “strengthened” the coronavirus, but also accelerated the mechanism of its reproduction by its own kind. That is, the infectivity of the pathogen has increased.
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Scientists say the virus has become about ten times more infectious than it was at the end of 2019.
By May, a virus with a tiny “genetic superstructure” had become dominant in the USA, Great Britain, and Italy. Experts compared the “protein spikes” of the two “versions” of the infection and saw: the “newbie” penetrates the ACE-2 receptor “gateway” much faster. This explains the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Western countries.
Scientists note: viruses are subject to mutations, like all living things. They are trying to become more “prolific," contagious and invulnerable. At the same time, viruses are not profitable to become more deadly - otherwise they will not be able to continue to develop, as they will simply kill their "owners".
In connection with the new data, experts added three new symptoms to the number of symptoms of COVID-19 - diarrhea, nausea and nasal congestion. This was reported on the website of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Earlier, American doctors called the symptoms of infection high fever, difficulty breathing and coughing, loss of smell and taste, as well as muscle pain, chills, and sore throat. British doctors reported that 30% of patients with coronavirus infection show signs of thrombosis, which occurs as a result of pneumonia and can cause death.
