Emerging Coronavirus Mutant - The Delta Plus: A Review

Abstract

With emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, research on viruses has come into focus. Understanding the nature and lifecycle of a virus is extremely important in decoding its behaviour with evolution. Mutation in SARS-CoV-2 has helped virus-related adaptation and survival. Certain key mutations have paved way for dominance of virus over the host. These mutations contribute to change in the properties of the virus like enhanced viral entry inside the host cell, virulence, rate of replication, disease transmission, and reduced response to therapeutics and vaccines. Research shows the dominance of substitution mutations in spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This has led to emergence of viral variants. Depending on their features they are further categorized into alternative of interest & alternative of concern. Classifying viral variants helps communicate globally and decide upon common measures to prevent and control the disease. Critically evaluating the key mutations and its effect on properties exhibited by virus will aid in understanding the viral pathogenicity and ultimately the rate of patient morbidity and mortality. There has been change in the signs and symptoms with the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 & its upcoming strains. Both systemic and oral manifestations faced a shift in clinical presentation to some extent. With emerging variant of SARS-CoV-2 R0/ rate of transmission of virus and its virulence are exponentially increasing. As dental surgeon are at high risk, precautionary measures should be taken and sterilization protocol has to be strictly followed.