Southerner California Reports Coronavirus Variants Cases

According to a JAMA research letter published on February 11, 2021, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, found a new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus variant CAL.20C.

Unlike clade 20G, currently the most frequently reported clade in North America, this strain is defined by 3 mutations in the S-protein, characterizing it as a subclade of 20C.

The S protein L452R mutation is within a known receptor binding domain resistant to specific spike (S) protein monoclonal antibodies.

These researchers commented 'that the behavior of CAL.20C is yet unknown.'

"Additionally, as clinical outcomes have yet to be established, the functional effect of this strain regarding infectivity and disease severity remains uncertain," they wrote. "Nevertheless, the identification of this novel strain is important to the frontline and global surveillance of this evolving virus."

As of February 11, 2021, the U.S. CDC reported the following number of SARS-CoV-2 variant cases:

• UK B.1.1.7 = 981
• South Africa B.1.351 = 13
• Brazil P.1 = 3

The state of California had reported 161 variant cases, the second-most in the USA.