The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sounded an alarm regarding the BA.2.86 COVID variant, playfully dubbed Pirola, suggesting that it might possess an increased ability to infect individuals who have previously battled COVID-19 or have been vaccinated. This concerning revelation, as reported by Reuters, has set off discussions about the possible implications of this variant.
While the CDC has acknowledged the potential for the BA.2.86 variant to lead to infections even in vaccinated individuals, the agency remains cautious about jumping to conclusions. It stresses that further research is needed to determine whether this variant could potentially result in more severe illnesses compared to its predecessors.
The genetic modifications present in this variant raise questions about its potential impact on vaccine efficacy and immunity developed through prior infections. Despite these concerns, the CDC has also emphasized that the recent upswing in hospitalizations across the United States is unlikely to be solely attributed to the BA.2.86 lineage.
With instances of the variant surfacing in countries including the United States, Denmark, and Israel, experts are keeping a close watch on the BA.2.86 lineage. This variant exhibits a significant 36 distinct mutations from the dominant XBB.1.5 variant. However, the availability of limited virus samples is a hindrance to conducting precise antibody testing.
Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan from Arkansas State University, a prominent expert, has shed light on the unique characteristics of the Pirola variant. It is distinguished by 30 distinct spike protein mutations compared to XBB.1.5. These mutations have raised concerns about the variant’s potential to subvert immunity or compromise the body’s defense mechanisms, as discussed in a report by USA Today.
The emergence of this new COVID-19 variant from an “earlier branch” of the virus has stoked worries about its compatibility with current vaccines, as highlighted by Dailymail. Despite a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, the number of hospital admissions, though rising for the fifth consecutive week, remains lower compared to previous levels.
Over the past month, the U.S. has witnessed a doubling in the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests, as reported by Dailymail. This increase has been accompanied by a noticeable rise in Google searches related to COVID-19 symptoms. However, healthcare professionals working on the frontlines have reported that despite the higher case numbers, the severity of symptoms appears to be milder. As the CDC closely monitors this variant and its implications, ongoing research will be crucial in determining the full scope of its impact.
