Mild Nature of SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections in Healthcare Workers in India

Abstract

The vaccine breakthrough infections (BTI) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in various hospital networks in India have been studied. Apollo Hospital, PGIMER, Medanta, Civil Hospital, Park Hospital, Max, Fortis, Narayana, and Maulana Azad hospitals were included in the study. During the Delta variant surge, the BTI were reported in the range of 6-25%. By comparing the BTI rates during the severe Delta variant wave and less severe Original (Wuhan, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) strain wave, it was worked out that the BTI were more among HCWs who were exposed to high viral load. In the initial days of the pandemic in the first wave when the total active cases were less, the rates of BTI were in the range of 1.6- 2.6%. When the viral load increased in the second deadly Delta wave, the BTI rose to 6-25%. The real-time data collected has established that the vaccination gave a protective shield against the novel coronavirus infection. Though the BTI were reported but the severity of the infection remained mild with a low hospitalisation rate and oxygen support requirement. No BTI infected HCWs succumbed to the SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Prevalence and Pathogenicity of Omicron Varian

“…The viability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and sanitization methods [18], initial attempts at vaccine development [19], and the application of supercomputer in prevention of infection and treatment [20] were reviewed in the articles mentioned. Vaccine breakthrough infections that occurred in India in HCWs [21] and the general population [22] have been discussed. The dynamics of the spread and severity of the Omicron variant have also been described [23], [24].…”

COVID-19 in Karnataka: Rise of Omicron

“…The vaccine BTI among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the Delta and Omicron waves were compared. The BTI were more at 6-25% in Omicron wave whereas they were less at 1.6%-2.6% in Delta wave [26]. BTI rate was high during the Omicron wave because of the high viral load environment the HCWs exposed to during the Omicron surge as compared to the Delta wave.…”

COVID-19 Aftereffects (Long COVID) Associated with Wuhan, Delta, and Omicron Variants Reported in Japanese Hospitals

“…Sanitization methods and the stability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were also discussed [20]. The vaccine breakthrough infections that occurred in India in the general population and HCWs were described in articles [21] and [22], respectively. In articles [23]- [25], the dynamics of the spread and severity of the Omicron variant were reviewed.…”