How to translate the knowledge of COVID‐19 into the prevention of Omicron variants

Abstract

Omicron variants are part of the “Coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID‐19] Variants of Concerns” and has the potential to spread around the world rapidly and can harm human life. We can anticipate that the endemic state of COVID‐19 will be characterized by the development of new strains with surges that will predominate in unvaccinated and immunodeficient populations. Thus, there will be an important role in promoting vaccinations, boosters and accessible testing to prevent disease transmission and to rapidly detect surges. There is an urgent need to explore the virology and biology of Omicron variants, define clinical phenomes and therapies, monitor dynamics of genetic changes, and translate the knowledge of COVID‐19 into new variants. Clinical and translational medicine will be impactful in addressing these challenges by providing new insights for understanding and predicting new variants‐associated transmissibility, disease severity, immune escape, diagnostic or therapeutic failure.

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, salient features, high global health concerns and strategies to counter it amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

“…Genome sequencing facilities need to be enhanced to monitor the real-time emergence of new variants so that the timely strategies can be designed to mitigate the forthcoming issues related to the pandemic. Much is yet to be known and explored about the most recently emerged Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant, its threat assessment, and therefore, high vigilance, needful public health alerts, collaborative efforts, action plans and preparedness plans in advance while translating the entire knowledge gained on COVID-19 into prevention and control of emerging variants to be best feasible ways are the utmost need of the present time to tackle this VOC too that is seeming to pose high global health concerns amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic ( Anonymous, 2021 ; Choudhary et al, 2021 ; Daria et al, 2021 ; Gao et al, 2021 ; Karim and Karim, 2021 ; Wang and Powell, 2021 ; Ingraham and Ingbar, 2021 ).…”

“…Early genomic detection, field investigation, and laboratory assessments will remain helpful in understanding the epidemiological trends, virus characteristics, disease severity, the effectiveness of public health and social interventions, diagnostic procedures, immunological responses, as well as vaccine effectiveness and taking adequate steps necessary to prevent further dissemination could be crucial in slowing down the Omicron VOC establishment ( Wang and Powell, 2021 ).…”

The Emergence of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 Variant: What is the Impact on the Continued Pandemic?

“…With the rapid mutation and high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 virus, disease elimination is impossible, which means countries should instead develop their own strategies for control [31]. Firstly, expanding our current knowledge on the Omicron Variant COVID-19 via modern technology such as AI/machine learning for clarifying the pathogenesis and molecular mechanism are also urgently required, thus, comprehensive preventative methods and clinical management for Omicron-infected patients can be applied properly [31]. Secondly, implementation of booster shots of existing vaccines to minimize the detrimental impact of the Omicron on the community heath while waiting for new vaccines [27].…”

Twin combination of Omicron and Delta variants triggering a tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID‐19 cases: A challenging global threat with a special focus on the Indian subcontinent

“…In conclusion, rapid detection, genomic surveillance, and evolutionary dynamics studies should be carried out at an enhanced pace along with contact tracing of variants, gaining more knowledge on this variant (Omicron) along with updating the current COVID‐19 vaccines, developing second‐generation vaccines, ramping up of vaccination drives with incorporating booster shots, finding out treatable options from a drug developer's perspective as well as strengthening and strict implementation of adequate mitigation and proactive and targeted control measures to counter this newer variant having the substantial advantage of speedy transmission, and also the Delta variant needs to be given the top priority at the global level amid the ongoing pandemic. 11 , 26 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 …”