Omicron (B.1.1.529): SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Corona Family

Omicron (B.1.1.529): 

SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Corona Family

 The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported from South Africa on 24 November 2021. 

The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct
 peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. 

The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021.

This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. 

Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other variants of concern (VOCs). 

The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. 

Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant. 

Several labs have indicated that for one widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected (called S gene dropout or S gene target failure) and this test can therefore be used as marker for this variant, pending sequencing confirmation. 

Using this approach, this variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.

Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) will continue to evaluate this variant. 

Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology, the TAG-VE has advised WHO that this variant should be designated as a VOC, and the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a VOC, named Omicron.