For a few months now, the delta variant of the coronavirus has been spreading practically all over the world. In Switzerland, too, it is again causing the number of infections to rise sharply.
But now researchers have already discovered a new variant of the pathogen. And as studies show, it has already been proven in Switzerland.
Is «C.1.2» resistant to vaccines?
Scientists from South Africa found this new Corona variant. And the sub-form of the pathogen has not entirely unproblematic properties. “C.1.2”, as the variant is also called, is said to be a “substantially modified” version of the South Africa mutation and could not only be more contagious, but also possibly resistant to the currently existing vaccines.
The researchers published the findings on C.1.2 in a so-called preprint study, as the German portal “Focus” writes. This means that the study has not yet been analyzed and methodologically examined by independent experts. A process that is by no means unusual in research. In this way, new knowledge should be added quickly.
Discovered in several countries – including Switzerland
Certain changes that were found in C.1.2 are apparently also found in the variants Alpha to Delta. Other properties, on the other hand, have not yet been found anywhere in a corona pathogen. In addition, the variant forms many mutations noticeably quickly. This could be an indication that the variant bypasses existing corona antibodies.
As the study shows, the new variant has so far been registered in China, New Zealand, Mauritius, Congo, Portugal, Great Britain and Switzerland. (cat)