During the search for fast spreading UK variant of COVID-19 in Indian samples, E484K mutation was found in three patient’s samples among 700 samples sent for genome sequencing at Mumbai by Tata Memorial Centre in Kharaghar. This is one of the mutation form found in South Africa said by Dr. Nikhil Patkar, Associate Professor in haematopathology at Tata Memorial Centre’s Kharaghar unit called ACTREC.

This is serious matter of concern as E484 mutation can make some antibodies of immune system to not detect this variant form. It is also confirmed that the second wave in Europe is majorly due to this variant. As it is not recognized by immune system, it cannot be neutralized by antibodies formed against virus which may show uncertain results with vaccination as said by Dr. Patkar

As per the reports, till now in the world 3,00,000 genomes of SARS-COV -2 isolates are available in public domain resources. UK variant B1117 is found in 11 samples in Maharastra so far.

However comparing with world, India has very slow genetic variations regarding SARS-COV-2 mutated forms as of reported till date. Though mutated forms are identified but they are not causing an outbreak like the first wave in India. Scientists are still working on it and also warned to continue wearing masks, maintain social distance as well as personal hygiene for minimal spread of these variants in humans thereby not allowing it to mutate further.