Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Epsilon Variant and Hospitalization Status by Genomic Surveillance in a Single Large Health System During the 2020-2021 Winter Surge in Southern California. Issue 5 (7th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Shangxin; Hemarajata, Peera; Hilt, Evann E; Price, Travis K; Garner, Omai B; Green, Nicole M
• Is Part Of: American journal of clinical pathology. Volume 157:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 649
• Page End: 652
• Publication Date: 2021-12-07
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- Epsilon variant -- B.1.429 -- B.1.427 -- Hospitalization -- ICU -- California -- Genomic surveillance -- COVID-19; Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; Pathology -- Periodicals; 616.07
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-9173

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Epsilon variant (B.1.429/427) is more virulent, leading to more hospitalization and more severe disease requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance was performed on respiratory samples from 231 unique patients, collected at a single large health system in Southern California between November 2020 and March 2021 during the winter surge. Results: The frequencies of the Epsilon variant among outpatients, hospitalized patients, and ICU patients were indifferent. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the Epsilon variant is not associated with increased hospitalization and ICU admission.