| Description: | Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, new genetic variants of concern have been identified and reported in different geographical regions. Genetic changes in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as universally understood, are significantly associated with its mutability during viral replication and rendering the altered SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants with a competitive advantage. The conferred advantages include but are not limited to conformational changes in the virus spike protein allowing evasion of immune responses and enhanced transmissibility due to stronger binding to target viral ACE2 receptors, for example, on the surface of respiratory tract cells, allowing enhanced entry into the target cell. As a result, the Alpha, Delta, and Kappa variants have spread rapidly across the globe creating concern as to their transmissibility and impact on current vaccines, severity of hospitalization, and degree of mortality. |
