Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
Researchers from Chinese universities have discovered that the new coronavirus has split into two distinct strains, with one appearing to be far more aggressive.
According to result from a joint study by the researchers, this new discovery could hinder attempts to develop a vaccine.
Researcher at Peking University’s School of Life Sciences and the Institute Pasteur of Shanghai looked at 103 genomes of SARS-CoV-2.
They found that the virus had evolved into two separate strains, known as “S” and “L”, with the “L” type being newer, more prevalent and more aggressive.
The older ‘S-type’ appears to be milder and less infectious, while the ‘L-type’ which emerged later, spreads quickly and currently accounts for around 70 percent of cases.
Related Posts
Genetic analysis of a man in the US who tested positive on January 21, also showed it is possible to be infected with both types.
In contrast, other experts in the field say the two types the Chinese researchers claimed to have identified were a result of both normal viral mutation and errors in data that they were relying on.
