We’re in the midst of a bad cold and flu season in Australia . Along with the usual viral suspects, such as influenza, RSV, and rhinoviruses (which cause the common cold), bacterial pathogens are also causing significant rates of illness, particularly in children. These include Bordatella pertussis ( whooping cough ) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae .
Meanwhile, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) is responsible for recurring waves of infection as it continues to evolve and mutate into new variants which keep it a step ahead of our immunity. The latest variant is nicknamed “FLuQE”, and is reportedly gaining traction in Australia and other countries. So what is there to know about FLuQE? In recent months, you may have heard of the “ FLiRT ” subvariants.
These are decedents of the Omicron variant JN.1 , including KP.1.
1, KP.2 and JN.1.
7. KP.2, in particular, significantly contributed to COVID infections in Australia and elsewhere around May.
The name FLiRT refers to the amino acid substitutions in the spike protein ( F456L, V1104L and R346T ). Amino acids are the molecular building blocks of proteins, and the spike protein is the protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 which allows it to attach to our cells. These changes in the spike protein arise from mutation – random changes in the genetic code of the virus.
SARS-CoV-2’s goal is to select mutations that produce a spike protein that binds strongly to our cells’ receptors to support efficient infection (sometimes c.
