Russia’s Sputnik V COVID vaccine is more efficient against the highly transmissible Delta variant of Covid-19 which is said to be responsible for the deadly second wave in India, according to a study.
“RDIF: “SputnikV is more efficient against the Delta variant of coronavirus, first detected in India than any other vaccine that published results on this strain so far – the Gamaleya Center study submitted for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal,” Sputnik V tweeted.
According to a report published in The Lancet journal, two doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca vaccines provide good protection against the Delta variant of coronavirus.
Notably, the Delta variant or the B.1.617.2 strain is more infectious than the Alpha variant.
Meanwhile, the new ‘Delta Plus’ mutation of the contagious virus has been found in India. The central government today said Delta Pulus “a variant of interest”, not “a variant of concern”.
“Delta variant played a major role in the second wave. An additional mutation of this variant, known as Delta Plus, has been detected and submitted to the global data system. It has been seen in Europe since March and was brought into the public domain two days ago on June 13,” NITI Aayog’s Member Health, Dr V.K. Paul, said during the press conference of the Union health ministry.
“Delta Plus is a variant of interest, but not a variant of concern. It has not yet been classified as a variant of concern, in which there is adverse consequence to humanity. As per data available in the public domain, this variant nullifies the use of monoclonal antibody. We will scientifically study and learn more about this variant.
“The new variant was found outside India and we have to found out its presence, spread and way of spread in the country. INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia) will keep a constant watch on the new variant and find out its harmful effects,” Paul further said.
