California coronavirus variants 20% more infectious, resistant to antibodies, new study finds [View all]

[Auggie]

San Francisco Chronicle / 4-21-21

Two California-bred coronavirus variants are about 20% more infectious than the original virus, according to a study published Tuesday by researchers at UCSF, UC Berkeley and the California Department of Public Health.

The study results, published in the journal Cell, support previously released research out of UCSF and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub that had not yet been vetted by peer review.

The California variants, known as B.1.427 and B.1.429, are described as one strain in the paper because they are very similar and share at least one key mutation. They are spreading widely across the state and appear to be more transmissible and less susceptible to antibodies produced by previous infection with the virus or by the vaccine, researchers said.

The variants became the dominant source of infection in the state as of Jan. 31.

Link (probable paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/California-coronavirus-variants-20-more-16118803.php

According to the article, researchers said the variants emerged in California in May of 2020. Between September and January coronavirus cases caused by these variants increased from zero to more than 50%, suggesting increased transmissability compared to the original coronavirus. The variants have recently been designated “variants of concern” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.