SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant shedding during respiratory activities. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Kai Sen; Ong, Sean Wei Xiang; Koh, Ming Hui; Tay, Douglas Jie Wen; Aw, Daryl Zheng Hao; Nah, Yi Wei; Abdullah, Mohammed Ridzwan Bin; Coleman, Kristen K.; Milton, Donald K.; Chu, Justin Jang Hann; Chow, Vincent T.K.; Tambyah, Paul Anantharajah; Tham, Kwok Wai
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 131(2023)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: Aerosol transmission -- Airborne transmission -- COVID-19 -- Omicron variant of concern -- SARS-CoV-2; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.03.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: We compared the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant aerosol shedding with earlier variants. Despite vaccination, the shedding of a patient infected with Omicron is comparable to the shedding of a patient infected with pre-Omicron variants. Patients infected with Omicron shed higher SARS-CoV-2 levels during passive breathing. The aerosol shedding of a patient infected with Omicron lasted longer after the disease onset. Abstract: Objectives: As the world transitions to COVID-19 endemicity, studies focusing on aerosol shedding of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) are vital for the calibration of infection control measures against VOCs that are likely to circulate seasonally. This follow-up Gesundheit-II aerosol sampling study aims to compare the aerosol shedding patterns of Omicron VOC samples with pre-Omicron variants analyzed in our previous study. Design: Coarse and fine aerosol samples from 47 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were collected during various respiratory activities (passive breathing, talking, and singing) and analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and virus culture. Results: Compared with patients infected with pre-Omicron variants, comparable SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy numbers were detectable in aerosol samples of patients infected with Omicron despite being fully vaccinated. Patients infected with Omicron also showed a slight increase in viral aerosol shedding during breathing activities and were more likely to have persistent aerosol shedding beyond 7 days after disease onset. Conclusion: This follow-up study reaffirms the aerosol shedding properties of Omicron and should guide continued layering of public health interventions even in highly vaccinated populations. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract