Initially, scientists thought SARS-CoV-2 had a slow mutation rate, predicting limited immediate changes. However, over time, the virus demonstrated accelerated mutations, especially in immunocompromised patients. These chronic infections allowed the virus to evolve significantly, leading to new variants like Omicron, which exhibited extensive mutations in a short time. This quick evolution has resulted in breakthrough infections, challenging vaccine efficacy. Ongoing monitoring of immunocompromised patients is critical for understanding future developments in the virus's evolution and spread.
The unexpected rapid mutation of SARS-CoV-2 is largely due to its evolution within immunocompromised patients, leading to variants that evade immunity.
Scientists initially believed COVID-19 would mutate slowly, but long-term infections in patients allowed the virus to accumulate mutations faster than anticipated.
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