According to a distinguished virologist, the KP.2 variant of Covid-19 is expected to become the predominant strain in Thailand. This variant, as noted by Prof Yong Poovorawan from Chulalongkorn University’s Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, is likely to be more transmissible and could pose challenges for existing vaccines due to its ability to evolve rapidly. However, unlike previous strains, KP.2 is not believed to cause more severe symptoms.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Prof Yong mentioned that the KP.2 strain is gradually replacing the previously dominant JN.1 strain in the country. JN.1 had been prevalent since late last year.
Despite not causing more severe illness, KP.2 is known to spread more rapidly and has shown greater capability to evade antibodies, as outlined by Prof Yong.
Given that current vaccines were developed based on the XBB.1.5 strain, the World Health Organization has advised the development of new vaccines to address the JN.1 strain. However, before this recommendation could be implemented, the emergence of the KP.2 variant took place, as highlighted by the virologist.
Prof Yong also mentioned that existing vaccines for the XBB.1.5 strain have shown reduced effectiveness against both JN.1 and KP.2.
Developing vaccines that effectively target the currently dominant strain presents a significant challenge, as explained by Prof Yong.
