Lambda, or C.37 Strain

The Lambda variant, which is believed to have been first detected in Peru about a year ago, is a new concern to scientists who say mutations could potentially be resistant to COVID-19 vaccines.

The World Health Organization said the variant’s mutations could increase its transmissibility or possibly increase its resistance to "neutralizing antibodies." The health body called Lambda, or C.37, a "variant of interest."

Aug 21 2021 Lambda and B.1.621: New COVID variants could be the worst yet, doctor warns

July 6, 2021 The Latin Lambda Variant of COVID-19: What Do We Know So Far? the Lambda variant has now been identified in eight British COVID-19 cases.

The variant was first identified in Peru in December 2020, and has since spread to six other South American countries and 22 more in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Israel in the Middle East, Zimbabwe in southern Africa and Australia.

In April and May this year, the variant accounted for four in every five cases in Peru, and a significant proportion in neighbouring Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador.

“That would suggest its rate of transmission is higher than any other variant”, said Professor Pablo Tsukayama from Peru's Cayetano Heredia University.

Lambda Variant's "Unusual" Mutations May Make It Resistant To Vaccines, Researchers Fear