Introduction:
Numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants have been detected globally ever since the COVID-19 epidemic began. In the midst of major containment efforts against COVID-19 that include physical precautions, pharmaceutical repurposing, immunization, and genomic or community surveillance, the emergence of variations of concern (VOCs) raises grave worries. Among the five VOCs of SARS-CoV-2, the Omicron variation (B.1.1.529) has been identified as a highly mutated, infectious, and significant variant.
Where Was the Omicron Variant First Detected?
Primarily reported by the WHO (World Health Organization) on November 24th, 2021, in South Africa, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 viral pathogen, the B.1.1.529, is increasingly detected in the diagnosed COVID infections along with the Delta and other variants as well. This poses an imminent threat to the worldwide community as it is indeed an emerging risk for global health due to the increased transmissibility, variation, and severity of the disease. This can be due to the specificity of the combination of mutations in the recently assessed SARS-CoV-2 variant.
What Is the Epidemiology and Etiology of the Omicron Variant?
The major pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech (manufacturing underway in 100 days with the regulatory approval pending), Moderna, and Novavax (currently genetically sequencing this variant, yet to manufacture a new vaccine against this variant) are preparing themselves for designing vaccine jabs for combating the Omicron variant. However, the cases are steeply increasing in the UK, with more than 50,000 cases daily that coincide with on-and-off detection of the B.1.1.529 variant in a few infected individuals. The Omicron variant is also detected now in Belgium, Botswana, Israel, and Hong Kong.
Though vaccine experts and researchers in the UK believe that this variant will not trigger a fresh wave of COVID-19 in the UK, they still agree on the impact of this altered mutation on the vaccinated population. Also, they are aware that the COVID safety norms and COVID-appropriate behavior (CAB) need to be maintained both at the workspace and in the homes to prevent the spread of this variant. The interesting finding attributed to the Omicron variant is that the mutation is in the same part of the Spike protein (S) as found in the other variants but distinguished by a lack of gene detection through the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. The PCR test cannot detect the three target proteins (S gene dropout or S gene target failure) pending its sequencing information which gives this variant an edge of growth advantage over the currently mutating Delta variant or other variants of SARS-CoV-2 pathogen.
What Research Is Available on the Omicron Variant?
Though facts about the Omicron variant are still being elusive and researched extensively, researchers are opinionated currently that though the Omicron variant may have as many as 50 mutations with high transmissibility, it may not cause severe symptoms of the coronavirus and may not even result in life-threatening hospitalization leading to mortality. According to scientists, this is mainly a positive aspect, as the loss of smell and taste associated with the SARS-CoV-2 variants are not associated with or reported by patients suffering from the Omicron strain.
Case reports of patients from South Africa infected by Omicron are showing primary COVID symptoms of nausea, fatigue, high pulse rate, and headache but not any severely impacting symptoms in most cases. However, the only concern that makes Omicron a Variant of interest (VOI) is that the potential to cause infection in a vaccinated individual is not entirely ruled out. On the other hand, it is increasingly possible because of the increasing number of mutations and S gene dropout (which may delay early detection by PCR test). Studies are underway to know if corticosteroids and IL-6 receptor blockers that are efficacious in severe COVID treatment would equally be effective or not in the case of the B.1.1.1529 variant.
Why Is Omicron a VOI or Variant of Interest?
The TAG-VE (Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution) studies and the WHO are continuously evaluating this variant's growth and mutational capacity. As per the present finding and research, the WHO has now tagged the Omicron variant as "VOC" (a variant of concern), citing the countries to follow enhanced surveillance measures for the detection of this variant, completion of genome sequencing, and assessment of the epidemiology, diagnostic criterion, antibody neutralization, and immunologic characteristics of this VOC.
The characteristics of any VOC are also categorized further as a VOI (a variant of interest), that is, public and global threat breaching immune defenses and causing an epidemiologic outbreak because of the following features:
The degree of virulence or an increase in the virulence factor.
A change in the clinical symptoms of the presenting disease of COVID.
Increased transmissibility.
Detrimental impact and observable changes in COVID-19 epidemiology.
Decreased public health effectiveness and reduced efficacy of socially available vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics (to the infected general population).
What Is the Preventive Strategy to Stop the Spread of the Omicron Variant?
The risk analysis and management-based aspects are being stressed by the WHO to currently emphasize the importance of COVID-appropriate behaviors to be followed by countries in preventing the spread of Omicron. The immediate and effective public health-based response can help fight this variant's faster spread.
The basic steps to be followed by every individual in the wake of this potential wave or variant spread are:
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Maintenance of at least 1 meter of physical distancing from others (both at home and in the workspace).
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Improving ventilation through open windows.
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Also, damp and poorly ventilated spaces should be avoided, especially by the low immune population like the elderly, immunosuppressive people, and patients suffering from systemic health disorders.
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Wearing a well-fitting mask in public places and preferably N-95 masks in crowded areas. Taking responsibility for the vaccination of all the family members and being personally vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Improving hand hygiene and washing hands frequently.
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Personal hygiene and preventing cross-infection by sneezing or coughing into bent elbow or tissue.
Conclusion:
To conclude, in the trend of steeply increasing COVID infections, the global spread of this variant is a cause of rising concern worldwide. The entire world has been impacted by Omicron. Omicron came as a surprise component just as the world was beginning to believe that the epidemic was over. The high transfer rate had an impact on a sizable portion of the population. There does not appear to be a particular remedy for Omicron accessible right now. However, following personal, community-based, and public health measures effectively by nations and individuals will help prevent the potential spread of this highly mutated strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
