(Image source from: indiatody.in)

A study that was conducted with a sample from January 2020 by the researchers from the Murdoch University and I-Shou University found that the sample collected from Kerala did show significant mutations in the novel coronavirus strain.

Addressing that, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that the mutations in the novel coronavirus sample in India are not enough mutated to be concerned about. But, the scientists have been alerted that significant mutation may further force the scientists to adjust the vaccine accordingly.

The study in question that clarifies the possible mutation in the coronavirus strain in India could cause futility in the overall process of the vaccine development. This caused concerns in the mind of the scientists across the world because if that is the case, a single vaccine wouldn’t suffice as a possible preventive measure.

For the study, a group of nine researchers hailing from Australia and Taiwan have submitted their study for peer to peer review. They concluded that even though the Covid-19 genome does have a lower mutation rate and genetic diversity in comparison to the SARS outbreak in 2002 and 2003, the samples that were collected from Kerala on January 27, 2020 does represent a mutation that could disrupt the development of the vaccines.

The majority of the vaccine development that has been happening has been focused on "focused on the S-protein and its human binding receptor ACE2" which the scientists are trying to fight off with the process of amino acid mutation.

According to the study, any further restructuring or changes in the virus could make the future vaccine less effective or not effective at all.

But, on the bright side, the researchers also believe that the same wouldn’t likely have any sort of impacts on the therapeutic medications that the scientists are conducting clinical trials on.

Dr Raman Gangakhedar, who is the chief epidemiologist at ICMR reported that the mutation is not significant enough to alter the process of the vaccine development so far.

"There are three strains of the virus in India, we have seen that the mutation is not fast enough, we are keeping an eye on the progress,” he said.

But, Dr Gangakhedar also clarified that any kind of faster and future mutations of the novel coronavirus can impose a threat to the overall global development of the vaccine for Covid-19.

He believes that the science will have to adjust itself in case of further disagreements and changes.

By Somapika Dutta