DNA Explainer: Defining Lambda 'variant of interest' and how much should we worry

The world is still reeling under the effects of the Delta and the Delta Plus Variant of the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 virus, which triggered the second wave in India and is the cause for the rise in infections around the world. Amidst all this now a new variant of the coronavirus called Lambda is emerging as one of the leading causes of the spread of the infection. 

On June 14, the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated the Lambda variant, previously known by its formal scientific name C.37, as the seventh and newest 'variant of interest', meaning it was something to watch out for.

According to the Malaysian Health Ministry, it has spread to 30 countries so far, including the UK. Six cases of Lambda have been identified in the UK to date, and all have been linked to overseas travel. The earliest documented sample was reported in Peru.

There are currently seven variants, including the Lambda, that the WHO classifies as 'variants of interest'. Another four Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta have been designated as 'variants of concern', and are considered a bigger threat.

Origin of Lambda Variant

In Peru, where it is believed to have originated, it accounts for almost 80% of the infections. 

Lambda Variant is the dominant strain in neighbouring Chile as well.

Until recently, it was largely concentrated in a handful of South American countries, including Ecuador and Argentina.

Since the end of March, this variant has been detected in more than 25 countries, although the numbers are still very small.

The UK, for example, said it had found this variant in six infected people, all international travellers. 

Recently, it has also been found in Australia.

Specifications of Lambda Variant

Lambda Variant is feared to be more transmissible than the original virus, although it is yet to be established.

As per WHO, the Lambda variant has at least seven significant mutations in the spike protein (the Delta variant has three).

The Lambda variant is usually associated with higher transmissibility and resistance to antibodies.

An early study in Peru claims that the Lambda variant is able to easily escape the antibodies generated by CoronaVac vaccine developed by China.

Lambda was designated as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on June 14.

A recent study by researchers in Chile reported that the Lambda variant had greater infectivity than the Alpha and Gamma variants (known to have originated in the UK and Brazil respectively).

The study also reported decreased effectiveness of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine (Coronavac) against the Lambda variant.