Variants of SARS-CoV-2

Variants of SARS-CoV-2

Illustration of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The Variants of SARS-CoV-2 are the different forms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. These variants arise through mutation, which leads to changes in the virus's genetic material. Some of these changes may affect the virus's properties, such as its transmissibility or severity of disease.

Overview

SARS-CoV-2, like all viruses, mutates over time. Most mutations have little to no impact on the virus’s properties. However, some mutations can affect the virus's transmissibility, disease severity, or resistance to treatment. Variants of concern are those that have mutations with potential public health implications.

Variants of Concern

Alpha Variant

The Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) was first identified in the United Kingdom in September 2020. It is associated with increased transmissibility and some evidence of increased disease severity.

Beta Variant

The Beta variant (B.1.351) was first identified in South Africa in May 2020. It has multiple mutations in the spike protein, which may affect transmissibility and vaccine effectiveness.

Delta Variant

The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) was first identified in India in October 2020. It is associated with increased transmissibility and potential reduction in neutralisation by some monoclonal antibody treatments.

Omicron Variant

The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first identified in South Africa in November 2021. It has a large number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein, and is currently under investigation for its potential impact on transmissibility, disease severity, and vaccine effectiveness.

See Also

• COVID-19 pandemic
• COVID-19 vaccine
• Mutation