Variants of SARS-CoV-2

Positive, negative, and neutral mutations during the evolution of coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2.

Variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are viruses that, while similar to the original, have genetic changes that are of enough significance to lead virologists to label them separately. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some have been stated, to be of particular importance due to their potential for increased transmissibility,[1] increased virulence, or reduced effectiveness of vaccines against them.[2][3] These variants contribute to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of 24 September 2024, the variants of interest as specified by the World Health Organization are BA.2.86 and JN.1, and the variants under monitoring are JN.1.7, KP.2, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, JN.1.18, LB.1, and XEC.[4]

  1. ^ Shahhosseini N, Babuadze GG, Wong G, Kobinger GP (April 2021). "Mutation Signatures and In Silico Docking of Novel SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern". Microorganisms. 9 (5): 926. doi:10.3390/microorganisms9050926. PMC 8146828. PMID 33925854. S2CID 233460887.
  2. ^ "Coronavirus variants and mutations: The science explained". BBC News. 6 January 2021. Archived from the original on 22 February 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  3. ^ Kupferschmidt K (15 January 2021). "New coronavirus variants could cause more reinfections, require updated vaccines". Science. doi:10.1126/science.abg6028. S2CID 234141081. Archived from the original on 22 February 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  4. ^ "WHO Coronavirus Network (CoViNet)". Retrieved 1 September 2024.