Variant Strain Name Notable Mutation Characteristics Transmissibility Wave First Detected Country Reference
Alpha B.1.1.7 Spike Protein mutations N501Y, D614G, P681H Increased transmissibility and severity 30-40% higher compared to wild type Responsible for the UK’s 2nd wave Kent UK in Sept 2020
Beta B.1.351 Non synonymous mutation in the Lys417 located in the RBD of S glycoprotein at K417N position Increased transmissibility and reduced sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies 50% higher compared to wild type 2nd wave South Africa in Oct 2020
Gamma P.1 E484K and N501Y H655Y Increased transmissibility, possible increased severity 1.7-2.4 times higher in comparison to wild type 2nd wave Jan 2021in Brazilian travelers in Japan
Delta B.1.617.2 E484Q and L452R mutations in spike protein Increased infectivity and severity, highly transmissible 60% more than alpha Prominent in 2nd and also seen in 3rd wave Dec 2020 in India
Omicron B.1.1.529 32 mutations in spike protein Increased transmissibility 3 times more than wild type 3rd wave Nov 2021 in South Africa