2023-11-29 09:50:00
Crown-Variant”Pirola“: What is known so far? What makes the new variant so special “Under observation”: This is what the WHO and virologist Christian Drosten say
New mutation, new properties: Since the start of the corona pandemic in 2020, the coronavirus has mutated countless times. New variants kept appearing, bringing with them new features and properties. Viruses constantly mutate to adapt to their host and survive. The new Corona variant “Pirola” has now arrived in Germany – what is known about it so far?
Mutation “Pirola”: That’s why the variant is so special
It was detected for the first time in Denmark in July 2023, and shortly afterwards in a large number of other countries around the world – and ultimately also in Germany: The Crown-Variant BA.2.86better known as “Pirola“.
Interestingly, the variant is derived from the omicron sublineage BA.2. This influenced the infection rate in Germany for months last year. So what’s new about “Pirola”?
The new variant arrives with a variety Mutations in the spike protein along. According to a report by the US Yale University BA.2.86 has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein compared to the XBB.1.5 variant – i.e. the variant “which the updated Covid-19 vaccines from Biontech and Moderna are aimed at,” explains BR.
Can “Pirola” escape the immune system? Drosten gives an assessment
The question therefore arises as to whether the new variant can evade our defenses and also the vaccines. “Nobody knows for sure, but the studies are already underway,” explained Doctor Scott Roberts from the Yale University a few weeks ago. The many mutations could ensure that people who have already been vaccinated and immune become infected with the virus again, warned US health authority CDC already at the end of August.
At the same time, there is an all-clear: According to current knowledge, corona tests and corona vaccines do not lose their effectiveness. In addition, there is no evidence that the variant causes more severe illnesses than previous corona variants.
“The data looks reassuring,” says virologist Christian Drosten in an interview with Time. “The immune escape is not noticeably large,” so the new vaccines should continue to be effective. Drosten could “give the all-clear for now”.
“Pirola” – these are the symptoms
Die World Health Organization already came to a similar assessment in August. “Pirola” is listed as “Variant under observation” – this is the lowest of three escalation levels. It is not considered “worrying”.
The symptoms of a “Pirola” infection are similar to previous omicron variants: Sneezing and a runny nose are typical signs of illness, as are headaches, fatigue or a sore throat.
But there are some symptoms that have not yet been associated with any other Corona variant:
skin rash
Changes in the mouth or tongue (swelling and ulcers)
Red and sore fingers or toes
Diarrhea
A hoarse voice
Itchy or red eyes
Conclusion: The Corona variant “Pirola” has appeared in many countries in the past few months – including Germany. The variant is “under observation” by the WHO; the current vaccines are likely to continue to be effective despite the many mutations. Virologist Christian Drosten also gives the “all clear” for now.
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