Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB subvariants in Singapore.

Authors :: Pung R
Kong XP
Cui L
Chae SR
Chen MI
Lee VJ
Ho ZJM
Source :: The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific [Lancet Reg Health West Pac] 2023 Jul 25; Vol. 37, pp. 100849. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Jul 25 (Print Publication: 2023).
Publication Year :: 2023
Abstract: Several XBB subvariants such as XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9, XBB.1.16 and XBB.2.3 co-circulate in Singapore. Despite the different viral properties of XBB.1.16 as compared to other XBB subvariants, comparison on their severity is limited. In this study, we investigate the outcomes of hospitalisation and severe COVID-19 infection in individuals infected with different XBB subvariants, adjusted for potential confounders such as age and vaccination history. Overall, our preliminary analysis showed that the risk of severe outcomes when infected with XBB.1.16 is higher than that of XBB.1.5 or XBB.1.9 but there is no difference in the risk of hospitalisation across different XBB subvariants.<br />Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest.<br /> (© 2023 The Author(s).)