The Delta Plus variant has been found in two regions of Indonesia. This was stated by a Bioinformatics researcher who graduated from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Sahal Sabilil Muttaqin on his Twitter account.
Sahal Sabilil Muttaqin uploaded an updated photo of the delta variant sequence in Indonesia. These include the Delta Plus variant which was discovered last April. Delta was first detected in Indonesia in January 2021, it just exploded in June 2021. Delta plus and delta AY.3 were discovered in April and the sequences were only submitted yesterday. We need to be careful," he wrote.
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Especially during Indonesia's situation where there are limited genomics surveillance, laboratory studies, and epidemiological investigations. The discovery of the Delta Plus variant indicates that this variant has become the predominant strain in the area found. When these variants have become the dominant strain, due to these limitations, they will be easy to detect. So it means that they have been in the community for a long time because variants need time to become dominant,” explained Dr. Dicky, when interviewed by MNC Portal, Tuesday (27/7/2021).
Apart from that, another thing that must be known is that the discovery of this variant is not a surprising thing during a high-spread case situation in the community. Because viral mutations that lead to the discovery of new variants are only a matter of time and the presence of these variants is a natural phenomenon,
"So don't be surprised if there are variants of Delta, Delta Plus, Lambda found in Indonesia. Because it will be very difficult to stem the emergence of this variant because the opportunities for entry are many. Especially during a situation where there is a very extensive replication cycle of the virus. Because many infections that occur in the community are not detected," he concluded.
again surprised by the discovery of a new variant of Covid-19 called the Delta Plus Variant. As the name implies, this Delta Plus variant is a viral mutation of the Delta strain which has exploded in the country over the last few weeks. Of course, this condition makes people more afraid and worried about new variants that can worsen the situation.
Griffith University Australian Epidemiologist, dr. Dicky Budiman, explained that the discovery of this new Delta Plus variant is not a surprising thing. Especially during Indonesia's situation where there are limited genomics surveillance, laboratory studies, and epidemiological investigations. The discovery of the Delta Plus variant indicates that this variant has become the predominant strain in the area found. “When these variants have become the dominant strain, due to these limitations, they will be easy to detect. So it means that they have been in the community for a long time because variants need time to become dominant,” explained Dr. Dicky, when interviewed by MNC Portal, Tuesday (27/7/2021). Apart from that, another thing that must be known is that the discovery of this variant is not a surprising thing amid the high prevalence of cases in the community. Because viral mutations that lead to the discovery of new variants are only a matter of time and the presence of these variants is a natural phenomenon,
"So don't be surprised if there are variants of Delta, Delta Plus, Lambda found in Indonesia. Because it will be very difficult to stem the emergence of this variant because the opportunities for entry are many. Especially during a situation where there is a very extensive replication cycle of the virus. Because many infections that occur in the community are not detected," he concluded. However, CNN reports that, like Delta, Delta Plus is touted 40-60 percent, with some even saying it's 100 percent more virulent than the Alpha variant or the Kent variant—the variant first identified in the UK.
Its spike protein mutations allow it to replicate faster and better infiltrate its preferred lung cells. According to the latest research in India, this is what happened there, and was part of the cause of the Covid-19 wave that at its peak resulted in the deaths of 4,000 people in a day.
In addition, a single Covid-19 mutation could eventually find a way to reduce the effectiveness of preventive measures, but currently, Pfizer and Astra-Zeneca vaccines are still quite effective. Even the current vaccine is said to be 100 percent effective against the current severe disease and death of all types of Covid-19
Altogether, Delta Plus has been reported in 11 countries, but country-by-country case numbers reflect only the sorted sample, and more data is needed to determine the true extent of the spread. America has ranked and confirmed the highest number of cases so far, with 83 as of June 16.