Public health implications of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: a rapid scoping review

Abstract

ObjectivesThe four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC; Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta) identified by May 2021 are highly transmissible, yet little is known about their impact on public health measures. We aimed to synthesise evidence related to public health measures and VOC.DesignA rapid scoping review.Data sourcesOn 11 May 2021, seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Central Register of Controlled Trials, Epistemonikos’ L-OVE on COVID-19, medRxiv, bioRxiv) were searched for terms related to VOC, public health measures, transmission and health systems. No limit was placed on date of publication.Eligibility criteriaStudies were included if they reported on any of the four VOCs and public health measures, and were available in English. Only studies reporting on data collected after October 2020, when the first VOC was reported, were included.Data extraction and synthesisTitles, abstracts and full-text articles were screened by two independent reviewers. Data extraction was completed by two independent reviewers using a standardised form. Data synthesis and reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.ResultsOf the 37 included studies, the majority assessed the impact of Alpha (n=32) and were conducted in Europe (n=12) or the UK (n=9). Most were modelling studies (n=28) and preprints (n=28). The majority of studies reported on infection control measures (n=17), followed by modifying approaches to vaccines (n=13), physical distancing (n=6) and either mask wearing, testing or hand washing (n=2). Findings suggest an accelerated vaccine rollout is needed to mitigate the spread of VOC.ConclusionsThe increased severity of VOC requires proactive public health measures to control their spread. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence for continued implementation of public health measures in conjunction with vaccine rollout. With no studies reporting on Delta, there is a need for further research on this and other emerging VOC on public health measures.

Characterization of the novel SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern and its global perspective

“…Omicron mutations with documented consequences include those that improve transmissibility and alter binding affinity. 9,15 The variation in the spike glycoprotein sequences suggests that the use of coronavirusspecific attachment inhibitors may not be the current choice of therapy for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529).…”

Replication kinetics and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in common cell culture models

“…Importantly, these mutations related to Omicron may be linked to increased transmissibility, stronger viral binding affinity, and antibody escape. Omicron mutations with documented consequences include those that improve transmissibility and alter binding affinity [ 17 – 19 ].…”

Transmission dynamics and mutational prevalence of the novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 Omicron Variant of Concern

“…The variant has several changes and deletions in additional genomic locations. 30 Nonstructural protein modifications (NSP)3 as Lys38Arg, SΔ1265, Ala1892Thr; Leu1266Ile and NSP4 as Thr492Ile; NSP5 as Phe132His; NSP6 as Ile189Val; Δ105–107, NSP12 as Pro323Leu; NSP14‐Ile42Val; membrane (M) as Gln19Glu, Asp3Gly, Ala63Thr; envelope (E) as Thr9Ile nucleocapsid (N) as Gly204Arg, Δ31–33, Pro13Leu, Arg203Lys. In contrast to other common VOCs, such as Delta (B.1.617.2), Omicron has a high mutation rate.…”