SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant
SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant
The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, is a variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Pronounced as "sars-koh-v-two delta variant", the name is derived from the Greek alphabet, where "Delta" is the fourth letter, signifying that it is the fourth major variant of concern recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Overview
The Delta variant was first identified in India in October 2020. It is characterized by a number of mutations in the virus's spike protein, which it uses to enter human cells. These mutations, including L452R and P681R, are believed to make the variant more transmissible and potentially more resistant to vaccines.
Transmission
The Delta variant is believed to be approximately 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), which was previously the dominant strain of the virus. This increased transmissibility is thought to be due to changes in the spike protein that allow the virus to bind more tightly to cells in the respiratory tract.
Symptoms and Severity
Symptoms of the Delta variant are similar to those of the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, including fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. However, some studies suggest that the Delta variant may be associated with more severe illness, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Vaccination and Treatment
Vaccines currently in use, including those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, have been shown to be effective against the Delta variant, although their efficacy may be slightly reduced. Treatment for COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant is the same as for other strains of the virus, and includes supportive care and, in some cases, antiviral medications.
See Also
- COVID-19 pandemic
- COVID-19 vaccine
- SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant
- SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant
- SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant
- Wikipedia's article - SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant
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