The new coronavirus variant called KP. 2, dubbed FLiRT, which has been linked to emerging Covid-19 cases in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, has been circulating in India since November 2023, according to genomic surveillance data. 250 KP. 2 sequences have been reported through INSACOG, the country’s genome sequencing consortium.
KP. 2 is a descendant of the JN. 1 variant of the virus. It is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage with new mutations. FLiRT, the nickname for KP. 2, is in the letters that represent two immune-evading mutations that allow the virus to evade antibodies.
Dr Vinod Scaria, a scientist in genomics, said: “These two mutations in the spike protein alter the main sites of the spike protein where antibodies bind to and neutralise the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These mutations allow the virus to evade antibodies.
A little more than a portion of the 250 KP. 2 genomes sequenced by INSACOG (128 sequences) come from Maharashtra. The largest number of KP. 2 sequences were found in March.
India reported the proportion of KP. 2 sequences in the world, according to global data. KP. 2 sequences accounted for 29% of Covid-19 sequences uploaded through India to the Global Initiative for the Exchange of All Influenza Data (GISAID). the world’s largest repository of sequences of this type in the last 60 days.
However, JN. 1 remains the dominant variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the country. On May 14, according to the Union Ministry of Health, there were 679 active cases of Covid-19 in India, and one death. in Delhi – has been attributed to the disease.
FLiRT is characterized by its ability to evade immunity from past vaccines and infections. Its symptoms are similar to those of past variants, adding fever, cough, fatigue and digestive problems.
Experts are keeping a close eye on the variant, but at the moment they aren’t too worried. “There’s no need to worry,” said Dr. Anurag Agarwal, dean of Ashoka University’s Trivedi School of Biosciences. “These [immune-evading] mutations [such as FLiRT’s] have been observed before. »
The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a statement of intent and prevention. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (CDC) notes that there are no signs lately that KP. 2 causes more severe disease than other strains.
Yes, FLiRT has a higher transmission rate and, like its parent JN. 1, is very likely to cause a wave of infections, Dr. Scaria said. In addition, infections are very likely to spread silently, since, without severe symptoms, it is maximum. Other people are unlikely to be tested.
Dr Rajesh Chawla, senior consultant for Pulmonology and Critical Care at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, said that given the likelihood of the virus spreading smoothly through respiratory droplets, strict precautions should be taken, especially for others with weakened immune systems.
Older adults are vulnerable to serious illness due to factors such as age-related physiological changes, decreased immune function, and the presence of comorbidities. Research indicates that older adults aged 60 and over, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions such as core diseases, people with lung disease, diabetes, or cancer are more likely than other age groups to suffer from severe and life-threatening Covid-19 infections.
People over the age of 65 or those who are immunocompromised, as well as pregnant women, are the most vulnerable.
This variant, like many of its Omicron predecessors, primarily affects the respiratory tract. “There are no documented differences in presentations,” Dr. Scaria said.
Dr. Chawla said those affected report fever or chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, brain fog, feeling less awake and conscious, and gastrointestinal problems. symptoms, adding abdominal discomfort, mild diarrhea, and vomiting.
Hospitalization rates for patients with those symptoms were higher than usual, Dr. Chawla said.
How can it be prevented?
The preventive measures are the same as since the beginning of the Covid epidemic 4 years ago. Social distancing and the use of well-fitting respirators such as N95s or KN95s in indoor public places protect against all variants of the Covid-19 virus.
Increased airflow and filtration in indoor spaces is also helping to reduce the concentration of viral particles. Vulnerable groups and those living in spaces where the infection circulates should be especially careful.
Most of the Covid-19 vaccines available in India are for the original variant of the virus, so more shots are unlikely to be helpful.
“At the end of April, the WHO Covid Vaccine Advisory Group advocated for the use of the JN. 1 lineage as an antigen for long-term vaccine formulations, as FLiRT variants are part of the JN. 1 family. However, Indian vaccines are not available to date with the JN. 1 variant and booster doses in India are unlikely to be effective,” Dr. Scaria stated.
Dr. Agarwal said most Indians want a booster because they’ve probably had repeated infections before, adding silent infections with JN. 1.