The SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron Variant and its Multiple Sub‐lineages: Transmissibility, Vaccine Development, Antiviral Drugs, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Strategies for Infection Control – a Review. Issue 9 (28th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohapatra, Ranjan K.; Verma, Sarika; Kandi, Venkataramana; Sarangi, Ashish K.; Seidel, Veronique; Das, Subrata Narayan; Behera, Ajit; Tuli, Hardeep Singh; Sharma, Ashwani K.; Dhama, Kuldeep
• Is Part Of: ChemistrySelect. Volume 8:Issue 9(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-02-28
• Subjects: Anti-viral drugs -- Omicron sub-lineages -- Strategies for infection control -- Transmissibility -- Vaccine development; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1002/slct.202201380
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-6549

Abstract

Abstract: The Omicron (B.1.1.529), fifth variant of concern (VOC) of SARS‐CoV‐2, initially identified following a steep increase in COVID‐19 cases in Southern Africa in November 2021. It is a highly‐mutated variant and is more contagious as compared with the Delta variant, however less deadly. Due to its high transmission rate, it spreads dramatically, and causing huge surges worldwide. It causes "mild infection", with hospitalisations less likely to occur. However, this variant is known to show resistance to neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) generated through vaccination and/or prior infection as well as to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) used to treat COVID‐19 patients. In many countries, booster doses of vaccines have been recommended to increase the protective levels of antibodies in vaccinated individuals. Along with the implementation of appropriate prevention and control strategy measures, current efforts are also focussed on the development of better vaccines and mAbs to counter this variant. This review highlights the global health concerns and challenges posed by the Omicron variant and present an update on its sub‐lineages. Abstract : The course of SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has been extremely complex and highly intriguing. Given the persistence of the virus and its continued influence on people's health throughout the world despite the availability of vaccines augment further understanding of the evolution of virus. The viral variants have been continuously emerging and the currently circulation Omicron variant has been re‐emerging into sublineages. The BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.75, and the XBB lineages have been replacing the preceeding ones and it is not clear when the virus slows down mutating and adapts to settle in the environment like the Influenza virus. Moreover, restricting viral spread has become difficult due to mutations in the spike protein that are favoring vaccine and monoclonal antibody resistance and causing breakthrough infections. Therefore, strategies to control the viral spread could still be essential in prevention of infections and the emergence of newer variants.