QUICK LOOK AT 3 NEW CORONAVIRUS VARIANTS

A quick look at the three new coronavirus variants from the UK, South Africa and Brazil. We quickly summarise the SARS-CoV-2 mutations and what the main clinical features of these variants are. We also give a mid-January 2021 update on where these variants are spreading in the globe, including the percentage of COVID-19 cases that are the variant in the UK, Ireland, Denmark and the USA.
Useful data sources:
Current spread of each new variant at cov-lineages.o...
UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Surveys at www.ons.gov.uk...
USA variant cases at www.cdc.gov/co...
Denmark COVID-19 statistics at www.covid19gen...
This presentation is brought to you by Dr Adam West in the College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. We hope you found this video useful. Please support us by liking the video and consider subscribing for more informative content. Feel free to ask questions or provide feedback in the comments section below. Thank you.
www.gla.ac.uk/...
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Map created at mapchart.net

[@zeryphex]

Good visuals. This channel needs to blow-up and get popular because it is so good.

[@GenomicsGurus]

Thanks for your kind words

[@TheINFJChannel]

Thanks. I searched ONE search term ("covid variants") to get ONE answer. Instead I got a zillion videos only discussing one. Here you are summarizing all 3 in one video. Well done. Those other channels need to catch up and play the game right. ✌ 👏

[@GenomicsGurus]

Thanks for your kind feedback. Glad we could help!

[@michaelreif-americanimpres862]

In the U.S. some states are looking to reduce masking etc. requirements. Very bad idea.

[@AaronSaltzer]

There are states that never enforced the mandates in the first place and they are doing fine from what I heard. We can’t live the rest of our lives in fear. It’s not good for anyone.

[@henrymarshpoetry1916]

A really clear summary - thank you

[@GenomicsGurus]

You're very welcome!

[@AaronSaltzer]

The government needs to get this under control before it gets worse. Otherwise we’ll be back in the same boat we were near the beginning of last year.

[@praeteritus2218]

Brazil has already applied 45,136,000 vaccines by May 5, 2021!

[@Gocaw]

Absolutely amazing! Very useful!

[@GenomicsGurus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@romeojr.piansay4722]

I hope to get better in making great videos like yours. I am a fan of your channel.

[@geocha1962]

In the beginning you say what makes the new variants dangerous is that they change the spike protein that attaches to our cells later you say that vaccines will most likely work on these variants as well. If the current vaccines are designed to produce a specific protein in our cells and now the mutated virus has a new one can you please explain how that is possible ??

[@GenomicsGurus]

There are many surfaces (epitopes) on the spike protein that our immune systems will raise antibodies too. Any one mutation will likely only change one epitope at a time. So, mutations like E484K will stop some antibodies from targeting the spike protein, but there will be other antibodies targeting other surfaces. The vaccines use whole spike protein, so there should be immunity against the spike even when there are some mutations. However, this immunity is not as good for some of the variants of concern, especially B.1.1.351, compared with most other variants. Inevitably, booster immunisations will be needed to improve the immunity to variants that carry many mutations. Bottom line is that the current vaccines are an excellent starting point.

[@susanschoultz4959]

What are you thoughts on reducing the cycle amounts conducted with the PCR test. Is it because of an increase in viral load in the variant.

[@GenomicsGurus]

Hi Susan. We address this in more detail in previous videos. If you understand how PCR test work then see this kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWLHhYRobtxmm6s. If you would also like a clear explanation of how PCR works, then see this kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4jNc5uJgdmfp80. To answer your question, the PCR test should always be run to completion (typically 40 cycles). What matters is the cycle number at which a given sample has amplified above a threshold (cycle threshold, Ct). The more virus, the more more viral RNA, the quicker the PCR gets to this threshold. So lower Ct values mean more viral RNA. Higher values mean less viral RNA. Our previous longer videos put all this into context. Best wishes.

[@susanschoultz4959]

@@GenomicsGurusMany thanks, much appreciated.

[@branleyfreddie310]

Let us Praying together

[@mridhulml9238]

Thanks man..i was getting sick of the pseudo information given out by news channels and other mass media

[@GenomicsGurus]

You’re welcome. It is not easy to cover in short pieces in conventional media

[@billytheweasel]

Liked & subbed. Tracking the P.1 is my concern and I have no faith in the CDC, NIH and FDA as of late.

[@GenomicsGurus]

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful

[@missxmarvel]

I have a big yard so if I need to stay inside then so be it..

[@LongNguyen-lx8if]

Your best defense is keeping healthy. I’m on day 10th of covid infection. Recovering on my own

[@billytheweasel]

​@@LongNguyen-lx8if < are you taking Ivermectin? Take plenty of Vit. D and load up on C. Melatonin too. I'm doing the FLCCC i-MASK prophylaxis and will do i-MATH+ if hospitalized should I get COVID-19 disease. If unfamiliar, please protect yourself and research those first.

[@tanyifen678]

Iiiiioiioiiioooooooooooop

[@missxmarvel]

@@LongNguyen-lx8if Oh dear I hope you are okay.

[@fsessions12]

What about N.Y. They have THERE own mutated strain!!?? Why have you not added that to list???!!!!??!!!

[@GenomicsGurus]

There are many thousands of variants now. This video focussed on the "variants of concern", 3 at the time. The VOCs carry many spike mutations that both evade neutralizing antibodies and have enhanced rates of transmission. B.1.526 in NY carries E484K, which evades some antibodies. This mutation has arisen many times independently around the world. You can follow the variants at cov-lineages.org/

[@eavyeavy2864]

Like unboxing video

[@billytheweasel]

S:677 polymorphisms

[@bitonic589]

thank God I don't have covid