SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5.2-infection and COVID-19 in persons with chronic myeloid leukaemia

Abstract

Objective: A SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (BA.5.2) epidemic began in China in December, 2022 following stopping the zero COVID policy.

Methods: We studied features of the epidemic in 1,121 persons with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).

Results: 1103 (98%) were in chronic, 10 in accelerated and 8 in acute phases. 834 (74%) became infected almost all of whom met criteria for COVID-19. The most common symptoms were fever (91%), cough (90%) and fatigue (82%). 42 infected persons were asymptomatic. Most people quarantined at home and self-medicated. 22 were hospitalized for COVID-19. At admission 5 had mild, 14, moderate and 3, severe/critical disease according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. 5 received respiratory assistance, 3 were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 1 in accelerated phase died from COVID-19. Co-variates associated with a risk of COVID-19 in SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects include age ≥ 65 years, higher education level and imatinib therapy.

Conclusion: In conclusion, most SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5.2 infections in persons with CML resulted in COVID-19 most of which cases are mild with only 1 death.

Keywords: COVID-19; Chronic myeloid leukaemia; Omicron BA.5.2; SARS-CoV-2 Omicron.