OMICRON
It is a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 that has recently been
reported from South Africa on 24th November 2021 called as B.1.1.529 or Omicron
(based on Greek alphabets like alpha, beta, delta etc).
This variant has shown a very large number of mutations,
especially more than 30 on the viral spike protein, which is the key target of
the immune response.
Given the collection of mutations in Omicron, which earlier
individually have been associated with increased infectivity and/or immune
evasion, and the sudden rise in number of positive cases in South Africa, World
Health Organization has declared Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VoC).
DIAGNOSTICS METHODS AND DETECTION OF OMICRON
The most accepted and commonly used method of diagnostic
for SARS-CoV2 Variant is RT-PCR method. This method detects specific genes in
the virus, such as Spike (S), Enveloped (E) and Nucleocapsid (N) etc to confirm
the presence of virus. In case of Omicron, as the S gene is heavily mutated,
some of the primers may lead to results indicating absence of the S gene
(called as S gene drop out).
This particular S gene drop out along with the detection of
other viral genes could be used a diagnostic feature of Omicron.
FINAL CONFIRMATION OF THE OMICRON VARIANT
GENOMIC SEQUENCING IS REQUIRED.
WHO declares a variant as a VoC after assessment when there
is increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology;
OR increase in virulence or change in clinical disease presentation; OR
decrease in effectiveness of public health and social measures or available
diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics.
It is important to highlight that Omicron has been declared
VoC based on the served mutations, their predicted features of increased
transmission and immune evasion, and preliminary evidence of detrimental change
in COVID-19 epidemiology, such as increased reinfections. The definitive
evidence for increased remission and immune evasion is awaited.
PRECAUTIONS
The precautions and steps to be taken remain same as
before. It is essential to mask yourself properly, take both doses of vaccines
(if not yet vaccinated), maintain social distancing and maintain good
ventilation to the maximum possible.
VACCINES WORK AGAINST OMICRON
There is no evidence to suggest that existing vaccines do
not work on Omicron, some of the mutations reported on Spike gene may decrease
the efficacy of existing vaccines. Vaccine protection is also by antibodies as
well as by cellular immunity, which is expected to be relatively better
reserved. Hence vaccines are expected to still offer protection against severe
disease and, vaccination with the available vaccines is crucial. If eligible,
but not vaccinated, one should get vaccinated.
Recommended items to buy :
- TISSUES
- DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWEL,
- LIQIUD HAND WASH SOAP
- N95 MASK
- BLEACH
- EYE PROTECTION
- SANITIZER,
- DISPOSABLE GLOVES
- DISH SOAP
- WASTE CONTAINER WITH PLASTIC LINER
- NON-CONTACT FOREHEAD IR THERMOMETER
- FACE WEAR
- SURGICAL MASK
- PREP WIPES
