An analysis has shown that the new variant of COVID-19, named "Omicron" by the World Health Organization, has numerous mutations, and its full impact may be seen in countries where vaccination campaigns have been significantly weak. The analysis published by "The Guardian" indicates that there are mutations in the new variant of the virus that make it capable of wider transmission and possibly able to evade antibodies, which could weaken the effectiveness of vaccines.
Teams of virologists worldwide are racing to obtain the genetic sequence of Omicron. Research conducted by Tulio de Oliveira, who manages two genomic sequencing centers at universities in South Africa, revealed that the new variant contains more than 30 mutations compared to the original strain of the coronavirus. The most concerning of these mutations are those that allow the variant to evade antibodies, whether resulting from previous infections or vaccination.
Professor Jesse Bloom, a virologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, stated, "I expect Omicron to have a greater impact on neutralizing antibodies resulting from vaccination or infection than any variant we have seen so far."
The manner of Omicron's emergence remains a mystery; scientists believe that, similarly to the Beta variant that also emerged in South Africa in 2020, the most plausible explanation is that the virus was able to grow and evolve steadily in the body of an immunocompromised person, possibly infected with HIV. With about 8.2 million people living with HIV, more than anywhere else in the world, South Africa's battle against COVID-19 has been particularly complicated, as these patients struggle to shed the virus, which can persist in their bodies for longer periods.
Scientists mention that travel restrictions will help slow the spread of the Omicron variant, but stopping it is almost impossible, according to the newspaper. Vaccine manufacturers and scientists are trying to determine the extent to which Omicron can undermine the protection provided by vaccines. For instance, in Israel, four cases of Omicron infection were reported among vaccinated individuals who recently returned from African countries.
Health experts warn that countries where vaccination rates are low may witness the worst outcomes as a result of the new variant, while those with high vaccination rates will fare better. Data from these countries will reveal the true strength of Omicron in the coming weeks and months, according to the newspaper.
