This is a pre-print, and needs to be interpreted carefully, but if it's correct the implications are concerning.
From about mid-2020, SARS-CoV-2 began to evolve at a faster rate, and is now evolving faster than influenza. Whether this will continue is unclear.
From about mid-2020, SARS-CoV-2 began to evolve at a faster rate, and is now evolving faster than influenza. Whether this will continue is unclear.
https://twitter.com/ArisKatzourakis/status/1437534054157635585
The authors suggest two theories for this, both of which could be true.
First, certain mutations could "unlock" new space for further mutations to occur. This seems quite likely: the virus has only just started to adapt to humans
First, certain mutations could "unlock" new space for further mutations to occur. This seems quite likely: the virus has only just started to adapt to humans
Second, selection pressure could be driving an increase in mutations. Think of the first wave in Manaus, Brazil, where people thought herd immunity had been reached. A second wave followed, as the virus evaded immunity and got better at infecting people.
https://twitter.com/drzoehyde/status/1367739730792615936?s=21
This study clearly illustrates the danger of allowing very high levels of transmission to continue. SARS-CoV-2 could continue to become more transmissible, which would make control very difficult.
The delta variant is unlikely to be the worst we see.
The delta variant is unlikely to be the worst we see.
It seems likely that our current vaccines will become less effective, and variant-specific boosters will be required. This would pose serious challenges for the developing world, which already lacks access to vaccines.
https://twitter.com/kakape/status/1437781122155417606?s=21
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