First discovered in Peru, the new Lambda variant is thought to be even more contagious than Delta and it is now in Australia.
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven difficult to tame, for multiple reasons and as countries increase their vaccination rates, the virus behind the pandemic seems to fight back, evolving new and more virulent variants.
The most recent “variant of interest” raised by the WHO is called C.37 or Lambda. The variant was first detected on December 2020 in Peru, and was recently designated a variant of interest, on 14th June, 2021. So far, Australia has recorded 1 case of this new variant, in an overseas traveller who was in hotel quarantine in NSW.
Like other variants, the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant contains several mutations in the critical spike protein, which seems to increase its transmissibility and may even reduce the effectiveness of current vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna mRNA-1273 according to a recent pre-print study as well as to CoronaVac, according to another study.
“The lambda spike protein contains novel mutations within the receptor binding domain (L452Q and F490S) that may contribute to its increased transmissibility and could result in susceptibility to re-infection or a reduction in protection provided by current vaccines,” the authors wrote in their report.
However, there is currently not sufficient data to confirm this observation and make a recommendation regarding vaccination.
“At this stage, the Lambda variant is definitely of structural interest, but will require further epidemiological evidence and peer-reviewed studies on infectivity and impact on vaccines to determine if it is a variant of concern,” said Dr Seshadri Vasan, CSIRO scientist and COVID-19 project leader.
Where is it?
The Lambda variant is currently the most prevalent strain in Peru, representing more than 80% of new cases, and it is increasing in prevalence across South America, and other countries. According to recent data, at least 31 countries have reported the new variant, including Australia. To track the spread of this and other SARS-CoV-2 variants, head up to the GISAID website.
Should you worry?
All precautions should be taken, just as with any of the other COVID-19 variants. At this point, we don’t know if the new variant is more pathogenic, or if it will become a more serious problem in the near future. In the meantime, everyone should get vaccinated, following official advice. Currently available vaccines provide significant protection to the COVID-19 variants found in Australia.