Introduction to FLiRT Variant UPSC

Welcome to PreCrack! Recently, we have seen that the Covid-19 Cycle has been seen active nowadays with a new variants named KP1.1 and KP.2 which is collectively called as FLiRT Variant. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has detected 238 cases of KP.2 and 30 cases of KP1.1 circulating in India, as of May 6.

Why is FLiRT Variant in the News? – UPSC Current Affairs 2024

The FLiRT variant, comprising KP.2 and KP1.1, has gained attention due to its emergence as descendants of the Omicron JN.1 strain, exhibiting increased transmissibility and immune evasion.

Complete details about FLiRT Variant – FLiRT Variant UPSC

We have added a complete set of details about FLiRT Variant of COVID-19 below:

What is FLiRT Variant? – What are FLiRT Varients?

The FLiRT variant, comprised of sublineages KP.2 and KP1.1, originates from the JN.1 strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with two additional spike mutations. Named for specific mutations, FLiRT variants exhibit heightened invasive characteristics.

Let’s have a Simplified Version

FLiRT variants, including KP.2 and KP1.1, are new versions of the COVID-19 virus that come from the Omicron JN.1 strain. They have extra changes in their spikes, making them more contagious. KP.2, especially, is spreading fast globally, causing many new COVID-19 cases. In India, it’s found mostly in places like Maharashtra and West Bengal. They’re a big concern because they might be able to get past immunity from vaccines and past infections, making it harder to control the virus.

Full Form of FLiRT Variant – Composition of FLiRT Variant

Full form of FLiRT – Composition of FLiRT Term: FLiRT stands for “F replaced by L at position 456 and R supplanted by T at position 346”. This technical term refers to specific mutations found in the FLiRT group of variants, namely KP.2 and KP1.1, which give the virus enhanced invasive properties.

What are 456 & 346 Positions here?

The positions 456 and 346 refer to specific locations within the genetic sequence of the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The notation indicates the amino acid positions where the mutations have occurred. In this case, the mutation involves the substitution of the amino acid “F” (phenylalanine) with “L” (leucine) at position 456, and “R” (arginine) with “T” (threonine) at position 346.

These mutations alter the structure and function of the spike protein, potentially influencing the virus’s behavior, including its transmissibility and ability to evade immunity.

Signs and Symptoms of FLiRT Variant

The signs and symptoms associated with FLiRT variants, such as KP.2 and KP1.1, are generally consistent with those of other Omicron subvariants and common COVID-19 symptoms. These may include:

1. Sore throat
2. Cough
3. Nausea
4. Congestion
5. Fatigue
6. Headache
7. Muscle or body ache
8. Loss of taste or smell

Transmission

The transmission of FLiRT variants, including KP.2 and KP1.1, is similar to other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Additionally, transmission can occur through close contact with infected individuals or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face, particularly the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Are FLiRT Varients are Dangerous than Omicron JN.1 varient?

FLiRT variants, particularly KP.2, pose a concern due to their increased ability to evade immunity compared to the Omicron JN.1 variant. This heightened immune evasion could potentially impact the effectiveness of vaccines and previous infections in providing protection against FLiRT variants.

List of All Notable COVID-19 Variants with their Parent Mutation

This is a list of some of the Notable COVID-19 Variants, but not the all

Key Points About FLiRT Variant

here are 10 key points about the FLiRT variant:

1. Origin: FLiRT variants, including KP.2 and KP1.1, are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
2. Mutation Profile: They are characterized by specific mutations in the spike protein, notably at positions 456 and 346.
3. Increased Transmissibility: FLiRT variants may exhibit heightened transmissibility compared to previous variants, contributing to their rapid spread globally.
4. Immune Evasion: Research suggests that FLiRT variants, particularly KP.2, have an increased ability to evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections.
5. Prevalence: KP.2 is reported to be more prevalent across countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., contributing significantly to new COVID-19 cases.
6. Symptoms: The symptoms of FLiRT variants are similar to those of other Omicron subvariants, including sore throat, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell.
7. Global Concerns: FLiRT variants have sparked concerns globally, leading to renewed fears of a fresh wave of COVID-19 cases in countries like India, the U.S., the U.K., South Korea, and New Zealand.
8. Detection: The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has detected cases of FLiRT variants circulating in India, with proactive tracking efforts identifying their presence in certain states.
9. Need for Surveillance: Managing FLiRT variants requires sustained surveillance, customized precautions, and universal protection measures to mitigate their spread and impact.
10. Vaccination: Vaccination remains a critical tool in controlling the spread of FLiRT variants. Booster doses may be recommended to enhance immunity, while ongoing research informs vaccine development and deployment strategies to address emerging variants effectively.

FLiRT Variant UPSC MCQs

Question-1: Which of the following is true regarding the FLiRT variant?

1. It originated from the Delta variant.
2. FLiRT variants are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 variant.
3. FLiRT variants are characterized by mutations in the nucleocapsid protein.
4. FLiRT variants have been detected predominantly in South America.

Answer: (B): FLiRT variants are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 variant.

Question-2: What distinguishes FLiRT variants from other variants of SARS-CoV-2?

1. Mutations in the nucleocapsid protein
2. Presence of specific mutations in the spike protein
3. Lack of mutations in the spike protein
4. Similarity to the original Wuhan strain

Answer: (B): Presence of specific mutations in the spike protein

Question-3: Which position in the spike protein is mutated in FLiRT variants?

1. Position 789
2. Position 346
3. Position 512
4. Position 237

Answer: (B): Position 346

Question-4: What is the main concern associated with FLiRT variants?

1. They cause less severe illness compared to other variants.
2. They are less transmissible compared to other variants.
3. They have an increased ability to evade immunity.
4. They are primarily found in Africa.

Answer: (C): They have an increased ability to evade immunity.

Question-5: Which organization detected cases of FLiRT variants circulating in India?

1. World Health Organization (WHO)
2. Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG)
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
4. National Institute of Virology (NIV)

Answer: (B): Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG)

Question-6: What proportion of new COVID-19 cases does KP.2 account for in the U.S.?

1. Approximately 50%
2. Approximately 25%
3. Approximately 10%
4. Less than 5%

Answer: (B): Approximately 25%

Question-7: Which region has NOT reported cases of FLiRT variants?

1. Maharashtra
2. West Bengal
3. South America
4. Goa

Answer: (C): South America

Question-8: What is the significance of the mutations in FLiRT variants?

1. They enhance the virus’s ability to cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. They confer greater invasive properties to the virus.
3. They decrease the virus’s ability to evade immunity.
4. They make the virus less transmissible.

Answer: (B): They confer greater invasive properties to the virus.

Question-9: What term is used to describe FLiRT variants’ ability to surpass immunity from vaccines and previous infections?

1. Immunogenicity
2. Invasiveness
3. Immune evasion
4. Immune suppression

Answer: (C): Immune evasion

Question-10: In which month and year were FLiRT variants first classified as a Variant of Interest (VOI)?

1. December 2020
2. January 2021
3. December 2023
4. March 2022

Answer: (C): December 2023

Question-11: What acronym is used to refer to the FLiRT group of variants?

1. SPLAT
2. FLiRT
3. BOUNCE
4. SWIFT

Answer: (B): FLiRT

Question-12: Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly associated with FLiRT variants?

1. Sore throat
2. Muscle or body ache
3. Skin rash
4. Loss of taste or smell

Answer: (C): Skin rash

Question-13: What is the primary recommendation for managing FLiRT variants?

1. Increased social gatherings
2. Reduced testing and surveillance
3. Sustained surveillance and precautions
4. Ignoring public health guidelines

Answer: (C): Sustained surveillance and precautions

Question-14: How does KP.2 compare to other variants in terms of prevalence?

1. It is less prevalent
2. It is equally prevalent
3. It is more prevalent
4. It is not detected in any region

Answer: (C): It is more prevalent

Question-15: Which of the following regions has NOT reported cases of FLiRT variants?

1. Maharashtra
2. North America
3. South Korea
4. Uttarakhand

Answer: (D): Uttarakhand

Question-16: What action did AstraZeneca take regarding its COVID-19 vaccine in response to the emergence of FLiRT variants?

1. Increased production
2. Initiated worldwide withdrawal
3. Introduced a new vaccine
4. Reduced distribution

Answer: (B): Initiated worldwide withdrawal

Question-17: What does INSACOG stand for?

1. Indian Society for COVID-19 Genomics
2. International Surveillance and Control of Outbreaks Group
3. Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium
4. Institute for National Surveillance and Control of Outbreaks

Answer: (C): Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium

Question-18: What is the primary concern associated with FLiRT variants’ increased immune evasion?

1. Reduced transmission
2. Enhanced vaccine effectiveness
3. Greater severity of illness
4. Challenges in controlling the spread

Answer: (D): Challenges in controlling the spread

Question-19: What proportion of new COVID-19 cases does KP.2 account for in the U.K.?

1. Approximately 10%
2. B) Approximately 25%
3. Approximately 50%
4. Less than 5%

Answer: (B): Approximately 25%

Question-20: How do FLiRT variants reframe COVID-19 management?

1. By reducing the need for surveillance
2. By emphasizing relaxed precautions
3. By necessitating sustained surveillance and customized precautions
4. By minimizing the importance of vaccination

Answer: (C): By necessitating sustained surveillance and customized precautions