Outbreak of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant (B.1.617.2) and Delta Plus (AY. 1) with fungal infections, Mucormycosis: Herbal medicine treatment

Abstract

This review of literature updates the current outbreak of second wave of coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutant Delta variant (B. 1. 617.2) strain and Delta Plus (AY.1) in India followed by the severe black fungus infections, mucormycosis. The mucormycosis, the black fungus infections have been emerged as an additional threat among those recovering from the viral disease, covid-19. Both coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutant strain, B.1.617.2 (Delta variant) and Delta Plus (AY.1) with black fungus has increased covid-19 hospitalizations and killing people in India. The widely accepted treatment of choice for mucormycosis is Amphotericin B. However, these medicines are already exhausted due to the shortage of supply, found very expensive, and fungal strains are resistant during covid-19 outbreak in India. Therefore, traditional herbal medicines with antifungal properties were used as per Auyverdic guidelines as an alternative therapy for controlling this deadly black fungus, mucormycosis during the outbreak of covid-19. Herbal medicines with antifungal activities are easily available in rural areas, less expensive, and traditional healers are practicing herbal therapy as an age old practice for controlling mucormycosis. Herbal formulations are very common household remedies in the rural parts of India.

The outbreak of Delta Plus variant: The notorious and novel strain of SARS-CoV-2

“…Among its eleven variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Delta Plus, Epsilon, Eta, Theta, Iota, Kappa, and Lambda), recently Delta Plus variant is becoming the dominant version of this pandemic right after Delta variant. 1 , 2 On 22nd September, three cases of this variant in Mizoram, India has been reported. 3 From the Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh states, India, 1 it is about to invade neighboring states and has been outspread to overseas like the USA, Canada, UK, Russia, Japan, Portugal, Poland, Turkey, Nepal and Switzerland.…”

“… 1 , 2 On 22nd September, three cases of this variant in Mizoram, India has been reported. 3 From the Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh states, India, 1 it is about to invade neighboring states and has been outspread to overseas like the USA, Canada, UK, Russia, Japan, Portugal, Poland, Turkey, Nepal and Switzerland. The number of infections by the Delta Plus variant in these cases is less, but it is viable enough to trigger the 3rd wave of COVID-19 in near future.…”

“…5 It has been identified as B.1.617.2.1, or AY.1/2 which is a mutated type of more aggressive B.1.617.2, or ‘Delta’ variant with black fungus. 1 Between these two types (“AY.1” and “AY.2”) of Delta Plus variant, “AY.1″ has been spread worldwide, whereas “AY.2″ is the dominant category in the United States and has been detected 150 times. 4 K417 N mutation on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was developed by AY.1 strain which interacts with the ACE2 receptor causing the invasion of human cells.…”

“… 4 According to INSACOG, the AY.1 strain demonstrated higher transmissibility, better binding affinity to receptors of the lungs’ mucosal linings along with a potentially lower response to anti-COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies including Imdevimab, Casirivimab etc. 1 As a result, it can be assumed to be less susceptible to the current vaccination program and/or therapeutical interventions. 1 , 4 Prior studies on the Beta type revealed that mutations on K417 position aided in the dodging of antibody and so, K417 mutation on Delta Plus variant can also exert similar outcomes, such as evading vaccines and antibodies.…”

“… 1 As a result, it can be assumed to be less susceptible to the current vaccination program and/or therapeutical interventions. 1 , 4 Prior studies on the Beta type revealed that mutations on K417 position aided in the dodging of antibody and so, K417 mutation on Delta Plus variant can also exert similar outcomes, such as evading vaccines and antibodies. 4 In addition, the vaccination program in India with the BBV152 (Covaxin) has failed to exhibit promising outcomes against the Delta Plus variant.…”