Covid variants ba 2.86 symptoms
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Symptoms of COVID-19 Variant BA.2.86 (Pirola)
Overview of BA.2.86 Variant
The BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola, is a subvariant of Omicron that has garnered significant attention due to its numerous mutations and rapid spread across multiple countries 127. As of late 2023, it has been detected in at least 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, USA, Denmark, and South Africa, among others 17. This variant has been classified as a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization due to its potential implications for public health 38.
Common Symptoms of BA.2.86
Mild Infectious Symptoms
Patients infected with the BA.2.86 variant generally exhibit symptoms similar to those seen in earlier strains of COVID-19. These include:
Changes in Symptom Prevalence
There have been notable changes in the prevalence of certain symptoms with the emergence of Omicron subvariants, including BA.2.86. For instance, the loss of taste and smell, which was a hallmark of earlier COVID-19 variants, has become less common . Instead, symptoms such as sore throat have become more prevalent .
Severity and Demographics
The BA.2.86 variant appears to affect older adults more frequently, particularly those over 60 years of age, and has been reported more commonly in females than males . Despite its rapid spread, no deaths have been reported to date, suggesting that the variant may not be more severe than its predecessors 14.
Immune Evasion and Infectivity
Immune Evasion
BA.2.86 has shown a significant number of mutations, particularly on the spike protein, which may aid in evading the immune response. However, it is less immune evasive compared to other XBB subvariants 26. This means that while it can partially evade immunity, it does not completely escape the neutralizing responses induced by previous infections or vaccinations .
Infectivity
The variant has demonstrated high infectivity and fusogenicity in certain cell types, which may contribute to its rapid spread . However, its infectivity varies depending on the cell type, indicating potential differences in how it interacts with human cells .
Conclusion
The BA.2.86 variant, or Pirola, presents with symptoms that are largely consistent with earlier COVID-19 strains, including headache, body ache, cough, fever, muscle pain, and severe fatigue. While it has a high number of mutations and spreads rapidly, it does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants. Continued surveillance and preventive measures are essential to manage its spread and impact on public health.
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