Public Health England is investigating coronavirus cases with new "worrying" genetic changes that have been found in some areas of the United Kingdom.
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| coronavirus cases with 'worrisome mutations |
Tests show that they have a mutation, called E484K, already seen in the South African variant.
Although this change may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine, the current changes used should still be effective, experts say.
There were 11 cases in Bristol and a total of 32 cases in Liverpool.
Rapid testing of the South African variant has already begun in parts of England and could be deployed to other regions with different variants seen with the same E484K mutation.
Scientists working with Public Health England found a small number of cases of the 'Kent' variant in the UK with the E484K mutation - seen in 11 of 214,159 samples tested, most of them from southwest England.
It is possible that there are more cases yet to be found. The Liverpool region has seen 32 cases of the original coronavirus that also has the E484K mutation.
How anxious are the new variables?
• Which areas will be comprehensively tested for the Covid variant?
Variables are not expected to emerge or to continue to change - all viruses mutate because they make new copies of themselves to spread and thrive.
Dr. Julian Tang, a virologist at the University of Leicester, described the finding as "a worrying development, although not entirely unexpected."
He said it is important for people to follow lockdown rules and reduce coronavirus cases to prevent the chances of the virus mutating further.
Otherwise, not only will the virus continue to spread, but it can also evolve. ”
He said allowing propagation could allow for a "melting pot" of various emerging variables.
Scientists have already examined what these new mutations might mean for existing coronavirus vaccines that were designed around previous versions of the virus that started the pandemic.
Some research appears to show that E484K may help the virus evade parts of the immune system called antibodies.
But early results from Moderna indicate that its vaccine is still effective against variants that carry this mutation - even though the body's immune response may not be as strong or long lasting.
Two new coronavirus vaccines that could be approved soon - one from Novavax and the other from Janssen - seem to provide a good cover against the variants, and protect against dangerous diseases.
Even in the worst-case scenario, vaccines can be redesigned and modified to better match in a matter of weeks or months, if needed, experts say.
The bright side might be that the variables change in a similar way rather than differ from one another.
Professor Ravi Gupta of the University of Cambridge said: "It gives us an indication that it has some preferred methods - and we can work to prevent those who have a vaccine."
Former British Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the race was underway to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible in order to keep the virus one step ahead.
Measures such as washing hands, staying away from other people, and wearing a face covering will still help prevent infection.
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