Covid-19 Updates in brief, Part -8

Table of content:

• Omicron : Covid-19 new variant:
• C.1.2 Another SARS-CoV-2  variant.
• Vitamin D could halt lung inflammation in Covid-19.

 Omicron: Covid-19 new variant.

Scientists have detected cases of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19 .  Scientists gave it a name ” Omicron ( B.1.1.529 “).  It appeared in South Africa , Hong Kong and Europe.

It has large number of mutations in the part of its genome (The complete set of genetic information in an organism) that encodes a  key section of its spike protein. The virus uses this protein to infect host cells. In this way Omicron may be able to escape from some of the immune protections afforded by vaccine. Such immune system are based on the original spike protein and past infections.

According to Associated Press , Japan confirmed  that  the  first case of Omicron variant detected  in a male diplomat , age 30, who just arrived from Namibia , his country of origin. He was isolated at the airport and now in the hospital for treatment.

The new Omicron variant was in Netherland earlier than thought. Dutch health officials said. Two test sample were taken between November 19 and November 23, 2021 and result was positive. It is believed that the cases in the country were not the passengers who came from South Africa.

Samples tested in Belgium and Germany  show that the variant was there in the countries before November 24, 2021. Experts believe that the first confirmed case of Omicron reported in Botswana on November 09, 2021.

C.1.2 Another SARS Cov-2 variant:

Researchers have identified another new SARS-CoV- 2 variant They call it as C.1.2.  This variant contain mutations of increased transmissibility and can escape from antibodies as compared to other variants.

However, the experts say that the public should not consider the variant as harmful as other variants. Vaccination , wearing face mask and social distancing will be effective to prevent infection.

Vitamin D could halt lung inflammation in Covid-19.

A new study found that a special form of vitamin D may be able to combat lung inflammation caused by immune cells. Vitamin D has unique ” switch off  ” mechanism  for inflammation . It could work in severe Covid-19.

Clinical trials are recommended before vitamin D is used to treat Covid-19 lung inflammation.

Warning: Mega dossing with vitamin D can do more harm than good. People should not take these result as a treatment recommendation .Much more work and trials are still needed. Researchers warn those people who take more than recommended amount of vitamin D.

source: MedicalNewsToday