A coronavirus variant found in Brazil is feared to have the tendency to reinfect those who have already survived COVID-19.

Researchers said that the Brazil variant called P.1, carries a mutation that is already known to make a variant prevalent in South Africa harder to treat with antibodies and harder to prevent with available vaccines.

RELATED STORY: Photos of mass graves in Brazil become stark reminder of ruthless pandemic

Earlier data showed that those who survived COVID-19 may not be immune to P.1.

A test on the neutralizing ability of antibodies in plasma samples taken from survivors of COVID-19 caused by earlier versions of the virus was conducted by researchers.

“Lower neutralization capacity of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and partial immunity against new variants suggests that reinfection could occur in convalescent or even vaccinated individuals,” the authors said.

READ ON: WATCH: Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil lit up to show solidarity to the world amid COVID-19

In a Reuters report, the same researchers estimated that among every 100 survivors of COVID-19 due to earlier virus versions, 25-to-60 could become reinfected if exposed to the P.1 variant because their antibodies could not protect them.

Records show that there are 13 cases of the Brazil variant. (TDT)

The post Brazil variant can reinfect COVID-19 survivors – study appeared first on The Filipino Times.