New Coronavirus Variants are Creating More Challenges to Global Healthcare System: A Brief Report on the Current Knowledge

Abstract

The coronavirus is naturally mutating over time and producing new variants. Some of them are more contagious and destructive than previous strains. Also, some variants are capable of therapeutic escaping. Earlier SARS-CoV-2 variants proved that some are supercritical, and newly mutated strains are creating new challenges to the global healthcare systems. Here we aimed to evaluate different coronavirus variants and associated challenges for healthcare systems. We searched for information online and on the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. We found the wild-type virus is more sensitive for neutralization and more controllable than newer variants. The Delta and Omicron variants are more highly transmissible than Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants. Also, few strains are resistant to neutralization. Therefore, there is a chance of reinfection among the vaccinated population. The transmissibility and resistance of the recently identified Omicron variant is still unclear. The Delta variant is the most dangerous among all variants due to its high transmissibility, disease severity, and mortality rate. For poor and developing countries, oxygen supply, medication, vaccination, and device supply are challenging during epidemic waves. Slowing down the transmission, mass vaccination, vaccine redesign, re-compiling action plans, and following safety guidelines can be effective solutions to the new challenges.

Omicron variant losing its critical mutations in the receptor‐binding domain

“…The importance of mutations in the Omicron variant, immune escape from neutralizing antibodies, evasion of the protection provided by mAbs, antiviral drugs, the effectiveness of existing vaccines, booster vaccine, prevention/control strategies, and policy formulation has been intensively reviewed in previous studies. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 …”

“…The importance of mutations in the Omicron variant, immune escape from neutralizing antibodies, evasion of the protection provided by mAbs, antiviral drugs, the effectiveness of existing vaccines, booster vaccine, prevention/control strategies, and policy formulation has been intensively reviewed in previous studies. [5][6][7][8][9][10] In the B.1.1.529 lineage, the percentage of mutations in a particular amino acid position, especially in the receptor-binding domain, decreases significantly (Figure 1A,B). It should be noted that the G339D, S371L, S373P, S375F, K417N, N440K, G446S, S477N, T478K, E484A, Q493R, G496S, Q498R, N501Y, and Y505H mutations in the receptor-binding domain corresponding to the B. receptor-binding domain is approximately 7%-85% altered/changed/ replaced (Figure 1A,B).…”

Nationwide Effectiveness of First and Second SARS-CoV2 Booster Vaccines during the Delta and Omicron Pandemic Waves in Hungary (HUN-VE 2 Study)

“…The first coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases were confirmed more than 2 years ago, and several new variants of the SARS-CoV-19 virus have been identified since then (1). Vaccines against SARS-CoV-19 infection with various mechanisms of action became available at the end of 2020 (2)(3)(4).…”

Turning point: A new global COVID‐19 wave or a signal of the beginning of the end of the global COVID‐19 pandemic?

“…However, at this stage, while continuing to focus on new novel coronavirus variants, we should focus on the existing Omicron variant itself. Omicron variants are now more transmissible than the Delta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants, and some clinically used antibodies may fail to respond to Omicron variants 13,27,28 . However, on the positive side, the acquired immunity generated by an Omicron infection itself seems to have contributed favorably to the end of the pandemic.…”