Everything You Need to Know about the Highly Mutated BA.2.86 COVID-19 Variant

As scientists worldwide race to uncover the mysteries of the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant of the COVID-19 virus, initial findings offer cautious optimism.

Researchers from China and Sweden have already reported their findings, with more anticipated from the United States. This variant, known colloquially as Pirola, has garnered attention for its distinctive genetic makeup, setting it apart from previously identified coronavirus strains.

If you suspect that you have contracted COVID-19, it's important to be aware of the potential symptoms you might encounter, which can include:

• Persistent cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or congested nose

• Frequent sneezing

• Overwhelming fatigue

• Pounding headache

• Muscle soreness or aches

• Changes in your sense of smell

The Genetic Distinctiveness of BA.2.86

BA.2.86 boasts over 30 significant changes in its spike protein compared to its closest predecessors, BA.2 and XBB.1.5. This genetic leap parallels the one observed in the original Omicron variant, BA.1, which emerged nearly two years ago, resulting in substantial pandemic repercussions. The Omicron wave led to record infections and hospitalizations in the United States, serving as a stark reminder that even a seemingly milder variant can pose a serious threat when it spreads widely.

Given the echoes of Omicron in BA.2.86, concerns surfaced regarding the possibility of another major viral event. To assess this risk, the White House sought input from experts, with estimates ranging from 10% to 20% likelihood of such an event within the next two years. As BA.2.86 emerged in late July, researchers worldwide embarked on a mission to understand this new lineage, which has already reached at least 11 countries, including the United States. Denmark, where it is being closely monitored, reports the highest number of sequences.

Not a Repeat of Omicron

Despite initial concerns, BA.2.86 has yet to exhibit the same global dominance as Omicron. Only about three dozen sequences from infected patients have been recorded in the past month. Experts believe that if BA.2.86 were rapidly gaining ground, it would be more evident by now. As Dr. Bill Hanage, an epidemiologist at Harvard University, aptly stated, "This is not the second coming of Omicron."

Reassuring Early Lab Experiments

Scientists are actively conducting lab experiments to gauge how our immune systems and vaccines respond to the BA.2.86 family of viruses. Preliminary findings indicate that this variant presents a moderate challenge to immunity. In experiments conducted in China, it was observed that BA.2.86 could partially evade immunity from vaccination and recent infection. However, this evasion was not as pronounced as compared to other viral variants. Additionally, BA.2.86 displayed lower infectivity rates, which might explain its presence in multiple countries but at relatively low levels.

Promising Signs in Immune Response

Further experiments in Sweden offered positive insights. Although antibodies from older samples struggled to neutralize BA.2.86, more recent blood samples showed improved efficacy. While questions about the variant's competitiveness and severity remain, these results suggest that our antibodies are not powerless against it.

Looking Ahead

While these studies provide encouraging early insights, they have limitations, primarily relying on models of the virus rather than the actual virus. Moreover, the small sample sizes and geographical variations in infections and vaccinations require further investigation.

The Future of BA.2.86

As we await additional data, the Variant Technical Group at the UK's Health Security Agency is evaluating whether BA.2.86 should be reclassified from "variant under monitoring" to "variant of concern." They are closely monitoring the situation and awaiting results from international partners.

In conclusion, BA.2.86 presents a unique challenge, but it is not a repeat of Omicron. The scientific community remains vigilant, committed to understanding and addressing the implications of this variant, offering hope that it will not pose a threat of the same magnitude as its predecessor.