Sidra Medicine researchers identify mutation-free spots within Covid-19 virus

Doha: Researchers at Sidra Medicine have identified spots within the novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV2 that do not mutate; paving the way for future vaccine design that can address variants of the virus.

Mutations in the novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV2 are a major concern as they might lead to drug or vaccine resistance. Although most mutations may be detrimental to the virus's function, some will confer a significant advantage to the virus, helping it propagate and spread more rapidly. Many people infected with COVID-19, experience symptoms such as sneezing, which can lead to the virus spreading more widely. In COVID-19, the SARS-CoV2 virus mutates about twice a month, almost half the common influenza virus's rate. Despite the reduced level of activity, tens of thousands of mutations continue to be documented, some of which lead to 'strains' or 'variants' that spread more aggressively in humans and result in hospitalization.