Which Sars-CoV-2 variants are causing the greatest concern?

06/07/2021 - At the moment, there are four variants that the ECDC has defined as 'variants of concern' (Voc) and are thus considered more dangerous. In all cases the virus presents mutations on the so-called 'spike' protein, which the virus uses to 'latch on' to the cell. These variants have proven to be more transmissible than the 'original' virus, while with regard to the impact on the efficacy of vaccines, preliminary studies have shown that the complete cycle of the four approved vaccines continues to provide protection against all Voc.

· The 'English variant' or 'Alpha' (B.1.1.7) was first isolated in September 2020 in Great Britain, while in Europe the first case was detected on November 9, 2020.

· The 'South African variant' or 'Beta' (B.1.351) was first isolated in October 2020 in South Africa, while in Europe the first case detected was on December 28, 2020.

· The 'Brazilian variant' or 'Gamma' (P.1) was first isolated in January 2021 in Brazil and Japan.

- The 'Indian' or 'Delta' variant (B.1.617.2), was first isolated in December 2020 in India.

- The "omicron" variant. The sample is being further confirmed for final lineage assignment, which for this VOC is B.1.1.529