The coronavirus could be getting weaker, scientists have claimed after discovering a new mutation in the virus.
Researchers from Arizona State University have analysed samples from hundreds of coronavirus patients in Arizona, and have discovered changes to the virus’ genetic material.
These changes are similar to those seen in the SARS epidemic of 2003, and indicate that the virus could be weakening, according to the researchers.
In the study, the team analysed samples from 382 patients, and discovered the new mutation in one patient.
Speaking to dailymail.com, Dr Efrem Lim, who led the study, explained: “This is something we've seen before in the 2003 SARS outbreak during the middle and late phase of the outbreak, the virus acquired large deletions in these SS3 proteins.
“These proteins are not just there to replicate - they are in there to help enhance virulence and suppress the immune system [of the host].
“It evolved with a more attenuated from in the late phase of the epidemic.”
Unfortunately, the patient with the mutated version of the virus was still unwell.
Despite this, the researchers suggest that the findings could be an early indication that the virus is weakening.
Dr Lim added: “One sample is the convincing thing we need to say "look at this,"' meaning that if more coronavirus genomes are sequenced, scientists might find far more instances of this attenuated genome.”
However, the findings contradict a study published earlier this week, which suggested that a mutant strain of coronavirus has emerged that may be even more contagious than the original.
The study, led by Los Alamos National Laboratory, identified a new new strain of the virus, dubbed Spike D614G.
The researchers believe the strain first appeared in Europe back in February, before migrating to the East Coast of the US and becoming the dominant strain worldwide.
In their study, published on BioRxiv, the researchers, led by Bette Korber, wrote: “The mutation Spike D614G is of urgent concern; it began spreading in Europe in early February, and when introduced to new regions it rapidly becomes the dominant form.”
Worryingly, the researchers believe that the new strain not only spreads faster, but may also leave people vulnerable to a second infection.
