The Omicron coronavirus strain may have so many mutations due to the fact that this variant has formed among millions of people infected with HIV, suggested Pavel Volchkov, virologist, head of the MIPT genomic engineering laboratory.
“The countries where it was formed have a very high level of HIV infection. In some, 60% of the population is sick. Because of this, such people have an inhibited immune response, and therefore Omicron, as a pan-African product, has so many mutations, “the expert noted.
According to Pavel Volchkov, Africa is not inferior in population to India, where Delta was formed. Only in Africa is it still complicated by the large number of immunosuppressed people.
“I think millions are being treated for AIDS with highly effective retroviral therapy. And it may be that Omicron was formed in such a way as to leave from under it. Therefore, it can really be highly contagious, highly pathogenic and bypass adaptive immunity after vaccination, ”said Pavel Volchkov.
Nevertheless, it can be unequivocally argued that the vaccinated will have greater protection in relation to the unvaccinated, he concluded.
Omicron could have formed among millions of people infected with HIV “
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
