Covid, the study: the Brazilian variant is more aggressive and more deadly among young people. Here because

Lately there is more talk of vaccines than of the virus. After an initial phase of the launch of the immunization campaign, in which the responsiveness of the vials, the possibility of infection and the speed of contagion, have often been questioned, today a study returns to focus the spotlight on the so-called “Brazilian variant” of Covid-19. Which could just not be more contagious. But also associated with increased mortality. In particular, in the young segment of the population: those between 20 and 49 years old. And the weapon of contrast we have – in addition to the prevention entrusted to the use of masks and respect for social distancing – is always the same: vaccination.

Covid, Brazilian variant and young people: the mutation is more aggressive in the 20 to 49 age group

And then, the latest scientific findings on the Brazilian variant, if confirmed by other studies, would once again underline the need for a rapid and widespread vaccination campaign. Authors of the study, still preliminary, just published in the journal MedRxiv, I’m Giuseppe Lippi, section director of Clinical biochemistry at the University of Verona, Maria Helena Santos de Oliveira e Brandon Michael Henry. Who conducted the research for the Federal University of Parana, (Curitiba, Brazil), from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, (Cincinnati, OH, USA) and fromUniversity of Verona.

Covid, Brazilian variant and young people: data on contagiousness and lethality

The study analyzed over 500,000 cases of Covid-19 in the State of Paraná, in south of Brazil, with a diagnosis made in February 2021 when the P.1 variant (ie the so-called “Brazilian” variant) became almost endemic and in any case with more than 70% diffusion. And in January 2021, when the circulation of the P.1 variant was minimal or absent. The preliminary study highlights that in all age groups the P.1 variant seems to be associated with higher mortality due to Covid-19. The increase in the death rate appears particularly evident (up to 3 times) in patients aged between 20 and 29 years. This confirms some preliminary observations, according to which the variant P.1 could not only be more contagious, but also more virulent and pathogenic.

We need to monitor the spread of variants and accelerate with vaccinations

«Although preliminary», explains Giuseppe Lippi, «these results have been taken up by many press organs in the United States and England. And they suggest the need for establish a system of constant monitoring of the spread of Sars-CoV-2 variants. Adding emphasis to the need for proceed quickly with vaccinations, so that we can minimize the risk that particularly virulent strains (such as P.1 or B.1.351, ie the “South African” variant) may arise and spread in the population ».