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Viruses are known to mutate, a fact even high school biology students understand. However, not everyone is on board with this scientific reality. Given that COVID-19 is a virus, it is subject to mutations. Recently, the Delta variant, first identified in India and labeled a “variant of concern” by the CDC due to its heightened transmissibility and potential vaccine resistance, has dominated the headlines. Now, a new variant called Lambda has emerged, initially sequenced in Peru in August 2020, and as of June 14, it has been classified as a “variant of interest” by the WHO.
Lambda now represents a significant proportion of COVID-19 cases in Peru, accounting for 81%, and 31% in Chile. It has also been detected in 29 countries. This raises a question: after the panic over Delta, should we be equally alarmed about Lambda?
Delta vs. Lambda
In late May, Delta was responsible for about 3% of COVID cases in the U.S., but that figure has surged to approximately 58%. This rapid spread is alarming enough for the CDC to classify it as a “variant of concern.” Despite vaccination efforts, Delta managed to infect individuals at an outdoor wedding in Texas, leading to serious illness among vaccinated guests.
On the other hand, Lambda currently constitutes only 1% of COVID cases in the U.S. The WHO flags it as a “variant of interest,” meaning it has the potential to be concerning, but current evidence suggests it’s not an immediate threat. Lambda has shown high community transmission rates, and its mutations might make it more transmissible and vaccine-resistant. However, such attributes remain “possible.”
Understanding Spike Proteins
Take a moment to breathe. Viruses mutate frequently, but the specifics of their mutations matter, particularly when it comes to the spike protein of COVID-19. Vaccines like those from Pfizer and Moderna utilize mRNA technology, which instructs our cells to produce a harmless piece of the virus—the spike protein. This helps our immune system recognize and combat the virus without the body ever encountering it directly.
For a vaccine to work effectively, the spike protein must match. Delta’s spike proteins differ significantly from earlier strains, contributing to its increased transmissibility and reduced vaccine efficacy. Lambda exhibits seven mutations in its spike protein, some of which are also found in other variants. While Delta has four concerning mutations, Lambda’s mutations are considered “unusual.”
Should We Panic?
Not at this stage. Nathaniel Rivers, a microbiologist at the University of Washington, remarks that the concern surrounding Lambda seems more related to its novelty than its actual risk. Current data suggests that while vaccines may generate fewer antibodies in response to Lambda, they are still effective against it. However, preliminary findings indicate that vaccines widely used in South America, such as Sinovac and Sinopharm, may not be as effective against Lambda or Delta.
So, should Americans worry about Lambda? In short, no. The focus should remain on Delta for now.
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In summary, while Lambda is a variant of interest, it currently poses no greater threat than Delta. It’s essential to remain informed and rely on credible sources while navigating these evolving circumstances.