New Study Raises Alarm on COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy Against P.1 Variant
A new study has raised concerns about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against the P.1 variant, first identified in Brazil. The variant, with 15 unique mutations in its spike protein, can potentially reinfect individuals who have previously had the virus or been vaccinated.
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology in Leipzig found that antibodies generated by the CoronaVac vaccine, a key component of Brazil's immunisation programme, were less effective against the P.1 variant. The study, published in The Lancet Microbe, showed that antibodies from vaccinated individuals with one dose had no impact on the variant, while those with two doses showed reduced sensitivity.
The study also revealed that antibodies from individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 were less efficient at neutralising the P.1 variant, requiring around nine times higher concentrations compared to the B lineage virus. This suggests that the P.1 variant may be able to reinfect individuals who have already had COVID-19.
The emergence of variants with multiple mutations in the spike protein, such as the P.1 variant, raises concerns about the effectiveness of vaccination programmes worldwide. Continued and enhanced genetic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants is crucial to guide updates of immunisation strategies.
The study highlights the need for ongoing research and adaptation of vaccines to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. While the P.1 variant may pose challenges to current vaccines, further studies will provide more insights into the effectiveness of different vaccines and booster shots against this and other variants.
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