Lachezar Karagyozov
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/nat2021-6.05
Absract. In 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus caused a pandemic with severe consequences for many countries. The life cycle of the virus is briefly described. It is noted that the multiplication of viral genetic material is accompanied by the emergence of mutations, which leads to the emergence of new viral variants. Viral variants may differ in their effectiveness in infecting, spreading, in the severity of the disease they cause, and in their ability to escape acquired immunity. The most important SARS-CoV-2 variants that have emerged so far are discussed. The need for global monitoring of the emergence of new variants and rapid and mass vaccination to tackle the pandemic is emphasized.
Keywords: coronaviruses; SARS-CoV-2 variants; variants of concern; emerging variants
