British coronavirus variant develops new mutation linked to lower vaccine efficacy
- 11 cases have emerged featuring the E484 mutation, the same change seen in the South African and Brazilian strains that have caused international concern
- Scientists say these infections show how border controls are not sufficient to prevent new variants from appearing in Britain
The British variant of the coronavirus has developed a new, concerning mutation in a small number of cases, which scientists said makes it similar to the South African and Brazilian variants and could reduce the efficacy of vaccines.
The emergence of the mutation to the variant first discovered in Britain highlights how complicated exiting Covid-19 lockdown will be even once vaccines are rolled out.
Public Health England said there had been 11 reports of the British variant which feature the E484K mutation, mostly in southwest England.
The E484K mutation, which occurs on the spike protein of the virus, is the same change as has been seen in the South African and Brazilian variants that have caused international concern.
“PHE is monitoring the situation closely and all necessary public health interventions are being undertaken, including enhanced contact tracing and control measures,” a PHE spokesman said.
Several laboratory studies have found that vaccines and antibody therapy are less effective against the South African variant.