SINGAPORE - As viruses are not static but prone to mutation, it is no surprise that there are subtle variations in the coronavirus causing the Covid-19 disease, Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, director of medical services at the Ministry of Health , said on Friday .However, as the biological behaviour of the different strains are still being studied, it is not yet clear whether any of the virus subtypes are more aggressive, more virulent or behave differently, said Prof Mak.
He added:"We continue to look at this carefully, and await more information from our scientific colleagues, researchers, who are actively involved in studies on the natural behaviour of the virus, as well as for ways to treat this infection." "It is important to note that the difference between these groups is minimal... and most variants by far are not linked to changes in severity, but could be neutral or even bad for the virus, making it weaker," Dr Maurer-Stroh told The Straits Times.By comparing the genome of the virus causing Covid-19 with that of related viruses, scientists could identify parts of the genetic code that were unique to the virus, known as Sars-CoV-2.
"So far, the variations in the genetic make-up are in the areas that do not affect the testing of the virus," he said, noting that such tests are developed to be as sensitive and as specific as possible.
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