Pirola
- Yale Medicine Review Article: A recent article in the Yale Medicine Review sheds light on the Pirola variant.
- Circulation of Pirola Variant: The variant is currently in circulation.
This topic of “Pirola” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion.
What is Pirola Variant?
Type
- Respiratory Virus: Pirola is a respiratory virus.
- Coronavirus Variant BA.2.86: It belongs to the family of coronavirus variants and is specifically identified as BA.2.86.
Features
- Mutations: Pirola variant exhibits more than 30 mutations on its spike protein.
- Comparison with XBB.1.5: It is noteworthy for its spike protein mutations, which can be compared to the previous dominant Omicron strain in the US (XBB.1.5).
- Spike Protein Function: The spike protein is crucial for the entry of the coronavirus into human cells.
Significance of Pirola Variant
Mutation Concerns
- High Mutation Count: The Pirola variant’s spike protein mutations raise concerns due to their significant number.
- Comparison with Delta and Omicron: The mutation difference between Pirola and its predecessors, such as Delta and Omicron, is worth studying.
- Shifts in Mutations: The variant showcases either massive changes or a gradual evolution in its genetic makeup, as observed in the Delta and Omicron variants.
- Current Health Impact: As of now, there have been no reported deaths attributed to the Pirola variant.
Where has it been Reported?
- The Pirola variant has been reported in several locations, including the USA, UK, Israel, Denmark, and South Africa.
