Highlights
- Even if the virus mutates, the vaccine will work: ICMR
- ICMR has traced 3 coronavirus strains from Wuhan in China, Italy and Iran
- COVID-19 Iran strain was similar to that of Chinese strain: ICMR
New Delhi: While scientists from government-run Biotechnology Research Centre in Gujarat claimed to have identified three new mutations of the COVID-19 in its genome sequencing, the top medical research body – the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that whatever vaccine comes out now, will work in the future as well even if the virus mutates. However, the ICMR will take some time to know the predominant quasi-species of novel COVID-19 in the country.
Also Read: How Long Will The World Have To Wait For A Vaccine Against COVID-19? Experts Answer
Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, head scientist of the ICMR while addressing media on COVID-19 situation, said, “This virus is in India for the last three months, the mutation does not happen too quickly. Whatever vaccine comes out now, it will work in the future as well, if the virus mutates.”
It will take some time for us to know the predominant quasi-species of novel COVID-19 in the country. But mutations are not likely to make potential vaccines ineffective, as all subtypes of the strain have the same enzymes, he said.
He stressed that there might be chances that people from different countries have brought various strains of coronavirus in India.
So far, we have traced three coronavirus strains from Wuhan in China, Italy and Iran. However, COVID-19 Iran strain was similar to that of Chinese strain, he said.
He further informed that 3,19,400 patients have been tested till Friday (April 17) while 28,340 tests were completed of which 4408 are in private labs.
India’s total number of coronavirus positive cases has risen to 13,835, including 1767 cured and discharged and 452 deaths, as per the Union Health Ministry.
Also Read: India Conducts 24 Tests For One COVID-19 Positive Case: ICMR
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