KP. 2 (FLIRT) VARIANT

KP. 2 (FLIRT) VARIANT

1. Context

The new coronavirus variant, KP.2, also known as FLiRT, has been associated with an increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States, United Kingdom, and South Korea. Genomic surveillance data indicate that this variant has been circulating in India since November 2023. INSACOG, India's genome sequencing consortium, has reported approximately 250 sequences of KP.2 to date.

2. About the KP.2 Variant of the Covid-19 Virus

KP.2 is a descendant of the JN.1 variant and a sub-variant of the Omicron lineage, featuring new mutations. Nicknamed FLiRT, this designation highlights the letters representing two immune escape mutations that enable the virus to evade antibodies.
These two mutations on the spike protein disrupt the major sites on the spike protein where antibodies bind and neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These mutations allow the virus to escape antibodies.

3. Genomic Data on KP.2 in India

Genomic data from India reveal that a little more than half of the 250 KP.2 genomes sequenced by INSACOG 128 sequences were from Maharashtra, with the highest number of KP.2 sequences identified in March.
Globally, India has reported the highest proportion of KP.2 sequences. In the past 60 days, KP.2 accounted for 29% of the COVID-19 sequences India uploaded to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), the world's largest repository of such sequences.
Despite the emergence of KP.2, the JN.1 variant remains the dominant strain of SARS-CoV-2 in the country. As of May 14, India had 679 active COVID-19 cases, according to Union Health Ministry data, with one death attributed to the disease in Delhi.

4. Can KP.2 Cause Severe Disease?

FLiRT, the KP.2 variant, is known for its ability to evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections. Its symptoms mirror those of earlier variants, including fever, cough, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Experts are monitoring the variant closely but are not overly concerned at this time. There is no need to worry, These immune escape mutations have been seen before.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently no indications that KP.2 causes more severe illness than other strains.

5. Could KP.2 Drive Up Infections?

FLiRT (KP.2) has a heightened transmission rate and, like its parent variant JN.1, is likely to drive a wave of infections. The infections may spread silently because, without severe symptoms, most people are unlikely to get tested.
The need for stringent precautions, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems, due to the virus's easy spread through respiratory droplets.
Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to severe illness due to factors such as age-related physiological changes, decreased immune function, and the presence of comorbidities. Research indicates that adults aged 60 and older, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or cancer, are more likely to experience severe and potentially fatal COVID-19 infections compared to other age groups.
People aged 65 and older, those who are immunocompromised, and pregnant women are the most vulnerable.

6. The symptoms of KP.2 infection

This variant, like many of its Omicron predecessors, primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. There is no documented difference in presentations.
Those affected by the KP.2 variant experience symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, headache, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, brain fog, reduced alertness, gastrointestinal issues including upset stomach, mild diarrhoea, and vomiting.
The hospitalisation rates for patients with these symptoms have not been higher than usual.

7. Prevention

Preventive measures remain consistent with those advised since the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak four years ago. Social distancing and using well-fitting respirators, such as N95 or KN95 masks, in indoor public settings are effective against all variants of the Covid-19 virus.
Improving airflow and filtration in indoor spaces can also help reduce the concentration of virus particles. Vulnerable groups and individuals in areas with active circulation of the virus should exercise particular caution.

8. Need Booster Shots of Covid-19 Vaccines

Most COVID-19 vaccines available in India target the original variant of the virus, making additional shots unlikely to be beneficial.
“In late April, the WHO’s Covid vaccine advisory group recommended using the JN.1 lineage as the antigen for upcoming vaccine formulations, since the FLiRT variants belong to the JN.1 family. However, Indian vaccines have not been updated to include the JN.1 variant, so booster doses in India are unlikely to be effective.
Most Indians likely do not need a booster because they have probably already experienced repeated infections, including asymptomatic infections with JN.1.

9. Way Forward

A multi-pronged approach is necessary to address the potential challenges posed by the KP.2 variant in India. By implementing these measures, India can work towards mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting its citizens.

For Prelims: KP.2 variant, Covid -19, JN.1, Omicron

For Mains:

1. Explain the concept of immune escape mutations and their significance in the context of the KP.2 variant of Covid-19. What challenges do these mutations pose for existing vaccines and future vaccination strategies in India? (250 Words)

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Article

KP. 2 (FLIRT) VARIANT

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