Expert Prediction Amin Soebandrio, COVID-19 Will No Longer Be A Human Virus

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The former head of the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Amin Soebandrio, revealed his predictions regarding the COVID-19 condition seen from the current spread of the Omicron variant.

Seeing changes in the initial characteristics of the corona virus to Omicron, Amin predicts that various mutations of COVID-19 in the future will no longer be human viruses. In a sense, COVID-19 is no longer an epidemic.

"We hope that so many mutations have occurred in this Omicron, it will actually cause the virus to become no longer suitable for receptors in humans. We hope that in the next evolution the virus will no longer be a human virus, but an animal virus, for example," he said. Amen in virtual discussion, Thursday, February 24.

However, humans are still potentially exposed to COVID-19. However, those who are infected only if the level of immunity is weak or comorbid.

"Humans can only be infected if their condition is weak or comorbid. So it is similar to influenza, it only attacks the elderly or babies, for example. As long as their immune system is good, it is hoped that they will not be infected," said Amin.

On that occasion, Amin explained that the purpose of the mutated virus was quite simple, namely survival. Viruses survive by adapting to the environment.

However, the microbiologist from the University of Indonesia revealed that not all mutations benefit the virus.

"As many as 45 percent of the mutations caused the virus to die. About 30 percent caused the virus to become weaker. 20 percent of the mutations didn't cause any changes. Only 4 to 5 percent of the mutations caused the virus to become fitter and adapt itself. with the environment," he added.