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SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and its current known unknowns: A narrative review.

Authors :
Le TTB
Vasanthakumaran T
Thi Hien HN
Hung IC
Luu MN
Khan ZA
An NT
Tran VP
Lee WJ
Abdul Aziz JM
Ali T
Dumre SP
Huy NT
Source :
Reviews in medical virology [Rev Med Virol] 2023 Jan; Vol. 33 (1), pp. e2398. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Sep 23.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has created great global distress. This variant of concern shows multiple sublineages, importantly B.1.1.529.1 (BA.1), BA.1 + R346K (BA.1.1), and B.1.1.529.2 (BA.2), each with unique properties. However, little is known about this new variant, specifically its sub-variants. A narrative review was conducted to summarise the latest findings on transmissibility, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and efficacy of current vaccines and treatments. Omicron has shown two times higher transmission rates than Delta and above ten times more infectious than other variants over a similar period. With more than 30 mutations in the spike protein's receptor-binding domain, there is reduced detection by conventional RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests. Moreover, the two-dose vaccine effectiveness against Delta and Omicron variants was found to be approximately 21%, suggesting an urgent need for a booster dose to prevent the possibility of breakthrough infections. However, the current vaccines remain highly efficacious against severe disease, hospitalisation, and mortality. Japanese preliminary lab data elucidated that the Omicron sublineage BA.2 shows a higher illness severity than BA.1. To date, the clinical management of Omicron remains unchanged, except for monoclonal antibodies. Thus far, only Bebtelovimab could sufficiently treat all three sub-variants of Omicron. Further studies are warranted to understand the complexity of Omicron and its sub-variants. Such research is necessary to improve the management and prevention of Omicron infection.<br /> (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1099-1654
Volume :
33
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Reviews in medical virology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
36150052
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/rmv.2398