Coronavirus mutation in mink could render vaccines ineffective, experts warn

The appearance of a new mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Denmark could affect the efficacy of the future vaccine developed against this virus, authorities warned. In this sense, the Government decided to toughen measures and opt for the confinement and closures of some regions to stop the spread.

Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of the country, assured that five cases of the new strain in mink farms. In addition, twelve people have been infected with the mutated coronavirus.

It is a “very, very serious” situation, described Frederiksen during the announcement of the strain found. “We have a great responsibility towards our own population, but with the mutation which has now been found, we have an even greater responsibility also towards the rest of the world ”, he added.

Risk for future vaccines

According to a report from the Statens Serum Institut, the body that deals with infectious diseases in Denmark, the strain of coronavirus found could render current vaccines under development against COVID-19 ineffective.

This approach, explains to La República Dr. Javier Tinoco, infectologist at the Universidad de Los Andes Clinic (Chile), is based on the fact that the new strain would have the ability to make the body produce fewer antibodies. In addition, the mutation has been identified in the spike protein (S), —employed by the SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells and infect the body — which is where vaccines aim to inactivate the virus.

“This, adding to the possibility that the strain spreads significantly in Denmark and the rest of the countries, could cause the vaccines to be compromised,” says Tinoco.

In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced this Thursday, November 5 that they are aware of the news. He added that they have initiated contact with the authorities of Denmark to find out more about the fact.

“We are aware of the information from Denmark about several people infected with mink coronavirus, with some genetic changes in the virus,” said the WHO on its official Twitter account.

Strict measures as a solution

The appearance of this mutation in minks has caused Denmark to plan to euthanize up to 17 million of these animals as a precautionary measure, which has generated criticism worldwide. Some legislators in the country have demanded to see evidence to support this decision, as it could cost the State more than $ 800 million.

Meanwhile, seven city mayors ordered new confinement and closure measures on Thursday. Governments determined limit borders in those cities with seven municipalities in the north of the country. In addition, residents in Frederikshavn, a region that has numerous mink farms, will be forced to work from home.

These new measures, which will be implemented from November 6 and for four weeks, are appropriate in the opinion of Tinoco, since they will help the strain not spread to other animals or humans.

“I think that if it is controlled, the vaccines in development would not be affected in the end, since they target the circulating and predominant strains of the virus (and against these they have demonstrated effectiveness),” he concludes.

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