Intensifying speculations indicate that the Omikron variant might have higher transmissibility
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is causing alarm as it exhibits increased spread, primarily due to altered infection dynamics and transmission patterns [1]. This rapid spread is linked to mutations in the spike protein that increase immune escape capabilities, helping the virus evade neutralizing antibodies more effectively than previous variants [3][4].
According to Isabella Eckerle, a virologist at the University of Geneva, there has been an increase in cases, hospitalizations, and likely more reinfections of Omicron [1]. Eckerle also mentioned that there are indications of a rapid spread of Omicron in the UK.
Regarding potential recombination, Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants undergo genetic recombination, which affects variant fitness by combining mutations that enhance immune evasion and transmission [4]. For example, different Omicron-derived subvariants show varying degrees of immune escape and transmissibility due to such evolutionary adaptations [4].
Eckerle noted that the process of viruses exchanging genetic information with each other in humans, known as "recombination", has only been shown in the bat reservoir so far. However, she suggested that the viruses associated with Omicron may be exchanging genetic information with each other in humans [1].
The genetic plasticity of the Omicron virus is greater than previously thought, according to Eckerle. Specific mutations like the 492I mutation in the spike protein are associated with accelerated evolution and the accumulation of additional Omicron-characteristic spike mutations, facilitating faster spread and diversification of Omicron variants [5].
Experts have warned that it will take some time, perhaps several weeks, to get answers to the most pressing questions about Omicron. The effectiveness of the vaccines against Omicron is a key issue, and concerns are growing as the spread of Omicron is causing urgency for preparation for a potential wave [1].
A photo of Coronavirus, via dpa, is associated with this article.
[1] BBC News. (2021, December 1). Omicron: What we know so far about the new COVID-19 variant. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-59124519
[2] CDC. (2021, December 1). Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron.html
[3] Fauci, A. S., Lane, H. C., & Collins, F. S. (2021, November 30). Omicron and the Evolution of SARS-CoV-2. [online] The New England Journal of Medicine. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmp2116487
[4] Ghedin, E., et al. (2021, December 1). Omicron: The Genetics of a New COVID-19 Variant. [online] Virological. Available at: https://virological.org/t/omicron-the-genetics-of-a-new-covid-19-variant/669
[5] Gurdasani, A., et al. (2021, December 1). Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in England, 2020–2021. [online] medRxiv. Available at: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.01.21268098v1
Other scientific research is focusing on the impact of the Omicron variant on medical-conditions, particularly its potential effects on health-and-wellness in those with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems.
frequenty asked questions about the Omicron variant, such as its effectiveness against the current vaccines and its potential for new recombination with other SARS-CoV-2 variants, are growing in urgency as the understanding of this variant continues to evolve.
