The Omicron-transformer: Rise of the subvariants in the age of vaccines

Abstract

Introduction: Omicron is the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, the pathogen that causes COVID-19. Since its emergence in late 2021, Omicron has displaced other circulating variants and caused successive waves of infection worldwide throughout 2022. Omicron is characterised by the rapid emergence of many subvariants and high rates of infection in people with vaccine- and/or infection-induced immunity. This review article will consolidate current knowledge regarding Omicron subvariants, the role of boosters, and future vaccine development. Method: This narrative review is based on a literature search using PubMed. Search terms related to Omicron were used and priority was given to published peer-reviewed articles over pre-prints. Results: Studies indicate that vaccinations and boosters are important to reduce disease severity, hospitalisation and death from Omicron. A variety of factors, such as differing host factors, circulating variants, and forces of infection, can influence the benefit of repeated booster administration. Next-generation bivalent vaccines have now been approved in some countries including Singapore and have demonstrated the ability to induce broad variant protection. Future third-generation vaccines involving mucosal vaccines and/or pan-sarbecovirus vaccines may provide broader and longer-lasting protection. Conclusion: Due to current high levels of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity, it is likely that rates of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death due to Omicron will continue to moderate. Nevertheless, the virus is ever-changing, and public health policies, especially those related to vaccinations, will also have to continually evolve and adapt as COVID-19 transitions to endemicity. Keywords: Booster, COVID-19, infectious diseases, Omicron, vaccine

The effect of COVID-19 on nuclear medicine: A global survey

“…The guidelines for the clinical practise of nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy should be made available as soon as possible during COVID-19. This action will bene t the management of future COVID-19 variants such as late Delta and Omicron [41] [42] [43].…”

COVID-19 Associated Cardiovascular Disease—Risks, Prevention and Management: Heart at Risk Due to COVID-19

“…Particular variants of concern include the beta, delta, and, most recently, omicron strains. The omicron variant has also spawned a variety of subvariants that are currently being monitored [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 enters the host cell via interactions with the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 may also be a key explanatory factor for sex-related differences in the lethality of COVID-19 [ 9 , 13 ]. Although located on the X chromosome, the ACE2 receptor escapes X inactivation [ 28 ].…”

Omicron: A SARS-CoV-2 Variant

“…Hence, several researchers advocated the need for development of novel vaccines, particularly targeting the Omicron variant. Numerous vaccines, predominantly bivalent and RNA vaccines, have since been developed by different researchers or pharmacological companies [17,35]. A few of the clinical trials working on Omicron vaccines are summarized in Table 2.…”