Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of SARS-CoV-2: Mutation, infectivity, transmission, and vaccine resistance

Shi-Yan Ren; Wen-Biao Wang; Rong-Ding Gao; Ai-Mei Zhou

doi:10.12998/wjcc.v10.i1.1

Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of SARS-CoV-2: Mutation, infectivity, transmission, and vaccine resistance

World J Clin Cases. 2022 Jan 7;10(1):1-11. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i1.1.

Authors

Shi-Yan Ren¹, Wen-Biao Wang², Rong-Ding Gao³, Ai-Mei Zhou⁴

Affiliations

¹ Laser Vascular Surgery, Aviation General Hospital, China Medical University, Beijing 10012, China. rens66@126.com.
² Department of Stomatology, Aviation General Hospital, China Medical University, Beijing 100012, China.
³ Laser Vascular Surgery, Aviation General Hospital, China Medical University, Beijing 10012, China.
⁴ Department of General Surgery, Aviation General Hospital, China Medical University, Beijing 10012, China.

Abstract

The appearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) has caused panic responses around the world because of its high transmission rate and number of mutations. This review summarizes the highly mutated regions, the essential infectivity, transmission, vaccine breakthrough and antibody resistance of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. The Omicron is highly transmissible and is spreading faster than any previous variant, but may cause less severe symptoms than previous variants. The Omicron is able to escape the immune system's defenses and coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines are less effective against the Omicron variant. Early careful preventive steps including vaccination will always be key for the suppression of the Omicron variant.

Keywords: COVID-19; Genotyping; Infectivity; Omicron variant B.1.1.529; RT-PCR; SARS-CoV-2; Transmission; Variant of concern.

Publication types

Review