Any life form constantly evolves by random genetic mutation followed by natural selection of the fittest. Evolution over successive generations leads to the development of new variants, traits, species, or populations due to altered genes, the blueprint of any life form.
Gain-of-function research attempts to hasten evolution to create more deadly pathogens as bioweapons under the guise of developing vaccines ahead of the evolutionary appearance of such pathogens. Genetic engineering with the powerful CRISPR gene editing technology, using protein Cas9 as a pair of “molecular scissors” for precise DNA modification, has also been misused for bioweapons. The irony is that natural selection in evolution usually leads to less deadly pathogens better at evading host defences, as deadly variants would get exterminated with their hosts.
The host immune systems react more to deadly variants than to milder variants. Bioweapons are the genetically modified, deadly variants of pathogens, but as seen with Covid-19, natural selection eventually leads to milder, more transmissible, and immune-evading variants.
NEW COVID-19 VARIANTS: JN1 and other new variants of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus are more easily transmitted, more immune-evasive, but less likely to cause lethal pneumonia or clots than the original Wuhan virus. The Wuhan lab had clandestinely collected wild and laboratory viruses from all over the world including India and published their findings, developed patented methods of managing bats in captivity, patented Covid-19 vaccines at the start of the pandemic, released promotional videos and published articles about their achievements, and listed funding from USA and Pakistan on their website, all evidence of foulplay, as detailed in my articles in The Sunday Guardian, during the pandemic.
The most compelling evidence of creating Covid-19 as a bioweapon was the findings of the IIT Delhi virologists, that four genetic inserts in the spike glycoprotein with uncanny similarity to Gag (Group-specific antigen) protein of retroviruses like HIV, had been transferred to a Corona virus to make it virulent, a most improbable spontaneous event.
They were threatened into retracting their publication by an influential virology cabal that had funded and orchestrated it. Three of these genetic inserts in the S-domain spike glycoprotein modified the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the virus to facilitate lethality, and one insert, the Furin Cleavage Site (FCS), enabled its attachment to the human airway ACE2 receptor site, to infect humans.
These inserts led to fatal complications like pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), triggering a cytokine storm by our immune system, leading to extensive inflammation, clots, stroke, heart attacks, etc. These serious complications are uncommon with the new variants as spontaneous mutations in the spike protein (RBD in the S-domain spike glycoprotein) have led to these variants being more contagious, immune-evasive, but far less lethal.
MANAGING NEW VARIANTS: The new variants are not eradicable, just like influenza, and present with fever, cough, sore throat, cold, runny nose, and other mild symptoms, and can be managed with self-isolation, staying hydrated, monitoring temperature and oxygen levels (SpO2), rest, and symptomatic treatment. Those with respiratory distress or other medical problems like diabetes should visit the hospital.
COVID-19 protocols of using mask, social distancing, avoiding crowds and maintaining hand hygiene should be strictly followed, especially by the elderly, individuals with comorbidities like obesity, chronic lung disease, diabetes, liver, kidney, or heart disease, and those on chemotherapy, immunesuppressants post-organ transplant, or for autoimmune diseases or those with weakened immune system.
A booster dose of the Covid vaccine may help those at high risk. Children and those not vaccinated or infected during the pandemic may be more vulnerable. A large section of society had exposure to the virus, and many more were vaccinated during the pandemic. Hence, the herd immunity this time and the lower virulence of the present variants will prevent an epidemic or pandemic.
There is no need for fear or panic about lockdowns and mass deaths. N95 mask blocks most dust particles, allergens, pollutants, and airborne pathogens; hence, it has multiple uses. Active surveillance, testing, hospitalisation of those with serious problems, updated vaccines, public awareness, and observing Covid-19 protocols are required.
Dr. P.S.Venkatesh Rao is a Consultant Endocrine, Breast & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Bengaluru.