1. Cutting Through the Jargon: What Is the Difference Between a ‘Variant’ and a ‘Mutation’?

Viruses by nature will constantly go through changes. These altered versions are called variants . Variants and mutants are essentially the same things, explains Dr Mishra. Both are the result of certain mutations that take place in the original virus causing a change in its genomic sequence. "Mutation is more scientific, but 'variant' is more commonly used these days," he says.

2. When Do These Natural Variants Become ‘Variant of Interest’ or ‘Variant of Concern’?

Speaking to FIT for a different article , Dr Shahid Jameel, too, has talked about how variants and mutations are a natural process that occurs in viruses, and are not a cause for concern in most cases. "Viruses will often mutate without any consequence. But those mutations that are able to equally or more efficiently infect people, are the ones that we single out as specific variants," says Dr Mishra. Variants become 'variants of concern' under two circumstances, When it spreads faster and starts making up more than 5 percent or 10 percent of the infections. If there are mutations that we think may create problems in terms of symptoms or vaccines. He says, "in the case of variants that are spreading faster but don't have any other different consequence, they are known as 'variants of interest' and will be continued to be monitored for any other changes." When it comes to the variants of concern, Dr Mishra says,

3. What Do We Know About the ‘Indian Variants’?

"In the case of COVID, what has happened is that some of the variants have become more dominant, and have been seen to be more infectious," says Dr Mishra. "The first major variants that became famous was the UK variant . It has come to India as well, and seems to be dominant in several parts including Punjab and Delhi ." Since then, other prominent variants have been discovered in India as well.

4. Is the ‘Triple Mutant’ More Dangerous Than the ‘Double Mutant?

The terms 'double' and 'triple' variant can sound intimidating, making one sound more threatening than the other, but Dr Mishra assures that this isn't the case.

5. Are the New Variants Causing New Symptoms?

As far as the data goes, no, says Dr Mishra.

6. Can the New Variants Slip Through RTPCR Tests?

“Many people aren’t aware that the RT-PCR has an accuracy of 80 percent. This has been the case from the very beginning. This means that 20 percent of the cases might be missed, especially if they have a low viral content.” Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director of the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad

7. What About Our Vaccines? Do they Offer Protection from Indian Variants?

“Both the vaccines are likely to protect against these variants. This is because the changes that we’re seeing between the variants are very minute.” Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director of the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad

8. How Worried Should We Be About the New Variants?

“Variants are always going to be there. But only people can spread the variant. It doesn’t spread through mosquitoes or water or any other carrier, so without people’s contribution, it can’t spread.” Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director of the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad

Explained: Should We Be Concerned About the New ‘Indian Variants’?

Right as the second wave of COVID gripped the country, a novel variant was discovered in India, dubbed the 'double variant'.

This was followed by a slew of other variants including the 'triple mutant' and the 'bengal variant'. And as the cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, each new variant invokes a fresh fear of its consequence.

What do these terms really mean? What are the 'Indian variants'? Are these variants behind the devastation caused by the second wave?

FIT speaks to Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director of the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad who heads the 'Genome Organisation and Nuclear Architecture Lab' there.

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Explained: Are New Covid Variants in India Reason for Concern?

FIT asks Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director of Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, in CSIR

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Topics: covid vaccination Double Mutation Covid Strain COVID Second Surge