To fully understand what the differences are between a mutation, a variant, and a COVID-19 strain, it is first necessary to emphasize that SARS-CoV-2 is one of several different strains of coronaviruses. Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of viruses that can cause a variety of conditions, from the common cold to more serious illnesses, such as the coronavirus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) and the coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV).
A new coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that had not previously been identified in humans. The new coronavirus, now known as 2019-nCoV or COVID-19, had not been detected before the outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
But as experts have explained, all viruses mutate constantly, at different rates, and with different repercussions. As infections occur, there are “errors” in the copying and then mutations or changes in the genetic code of the viruses occur, such as the one caused by COVID-19. By performing genetic sequencing or analysis of the virus from samples taken in different regions of the world, scientists identify certain characteristics by which these mutations can be grouped into lineages.
Each of the strains that arise directly from SARS-CoV-2 are called lineages, which are designated by a series of numbers and a letter of the alphabet to identify them, considering their order of appearance and their genetic composition. It is therefore correct to say that a lineage is a variant of the virus.
In the specific case of the new variant discovered in South Africa known as Omicron, (which has the largest number of mutations seen to date in the spike protein), the researchers observed more than 30 mutations, a marked difference with respect to the other variants previously considered to be of concern.
Regardless, vaccines are still the most effective means of combating the virus. Vaccinations are saving lives worldwide and are vital in stopping COVID-19 in its tracks.
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