Pirola: A New Covid-19 Variant of Concern

A new variant of Covid-19, dubbed Pirola, has emerged in several countries and sparked alarm among health experts. Pirola, also known as BA.2.86, is a different lineage of the coronavirus than Omicron, which has been the dominant strain in most parts of the world since late 2021. Pirola has more than 30 mutations to its spike protein, which is how the virus enters human cells. This raises the possibility that Pirola may be more transmissible, more virulent, or more resistant to vaccines and treatments than other variants.

What do we know about Pirola?

Pirola was first reported in August 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as a variant under monitoring. As of September 3, 2023, only seven cases of Pirola have been confirmed in four countries: Denmark, Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, this number may be an underestimate, as Pirola may have been circulating undetected in the community for some time. Pirola has also been found in wastewater samples in the UK, indicating a possible spread of the variant.

The most concerning feature of Pirola is its high number of mutations, especially in the spike protein. According to Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist Scott Roberts, MD, the number of mutations in Pirola is similar to the difference between Delta and Omicron. Some of these mutations are known to enhance the virus’s ability to infect cells, evade immune responses, or escape antibodies generated by vaccines or previous infections. For example, Pirola has the E484K mutation, which is also found in Beta and Gamma variants and is associated with reduced vaccine efficacy. Pirola also has the N501Y mutation, which is also found in Alpha and Omicron variants and is linked to increased transmissibility.

However, it is too early to know how these mutations affect the behavior and impact of Pirola in real-world settings. More studies are needed to determine if Pirola is more contagious, more severe, or more resistant to vaccines and treatments than other variants. It is also unclear if Pirola causes any unique symptoms or signs of infection. The only reported case of Pirola in the US had mild symptoms and did not require hospitalization.

How can we protect ourselves from Pirola?

The best way to protect ourselves from Pirola and other variants of Covid-19 is to follow the public health measures that have been proven to be effective against the virus. These include:

• Getting vaccinated as soon as possible and completing the full course of doses. Vaccines are still the most effective way to prevent severe illness and death from Covid-19, even if they may not fully prevent infection by some variants.
• Wearing a quality mask that covers your nose and mouth when you are in public or around people who are not from your household. Masks can block or reduce the inhalation and exhalation of viral particles that may carry Covid-19.
• Practicing physical distancing by staying at least six feet away from others who are not from your household. Physical distancing can reduce the chances of exposure to Covid-19 through respiratory droplets or aerosols.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Hand hygiene can prevent the transfer of Covid-19 from contaminated surfaces or objects to your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings where Covid-19 can spread more easily. If you have to be indoors with others who are not from your household, make sure there is adequate ventilation and air filtration.
• Monitoring your health and getting tested if you have any symptoms or signs of Covid-19 or if you have been exposed to someone who has Covid-19. Early detection and isolation can prevent further transmission of Covid-19 to others.

Conclusion

Pirola is a new variant of Covid-19 that has emerged in several countries and has a high number of mutations that may affect its transmissibility, virulence, or resistance to vaccines and treatments. More research is needed to understand the characteristics and impact of Pirola in comparison to other variants. In the meantime, we can protect ourselves and others from Pirola and other variants by following the public health measures that have been recommended by health authorities.