Omicron variant in COVID-19 current pandemic: a reason for apprehension

Abstract

COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, but was caused by the original coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2). In early 2020, there was a widespread breakout of cases well over world, resulting in an epidemic that rapidly escalated to become a pandemic. This abruptly shook the global healthcare system. The emergence of the alpha, beta, and delta SARS-CoV-2 were associated with new waves of infections, sometimes across the entire world but until this month i.e., between Nov-Dec, 2021, Delta variant reigned supreme until the emergence of a newer variant i.e., Omicron (B.1.1.529) of SARS-CoV-2. Delta had 13 mutations. Of these, nine are in the spike protein, the protrusion on the surface of the virus that helps it latch onto human cells. Specifically, two are in a molecular hook, called the “receptor-binding domain”. Omicron, a creation caused by monstrous mutations. At least 32 mutations are in the spike protein and 10 in the receptor-binding domain. was designated a COVID-19 variant of concern (VoC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 26th November 2021. Structurally, the omicron variant has shown too mutated at antibody binding sites which would leverage them for escaping the possible immune response by the body. We don’t yet know much about the other alterations and how they might affect the virus’s behavior. Omicron COVID-19 strain after identifying individuals with symptoms that were not the same as those seen in the Delta form. People with night sweats have also been reported. The new omicron variant has more mutations than the prevailing rampant delta virus. This makes the newer variant more transmissible, better able to evade itself from various vaccines readily available in the current scenario. These overall increases in the percentage changes in a single day cases of COVID-19 reported cases can be attributed to the beginning of third wave or can be speculated as newer surge of omicron variant cases. Yet another new variant has been detected in France with 46 mutations and 37 deletions in its genetic code, many affecting the spike protein. ‘B.1.640.2’ is the current nomenclature for this variation.

Physical Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Population of Italian Healthcare Workers

“…In Italy, in the last week of January 2023 from 27 January to 2 February 2023, 33,042 new cases were reported by the National Health Authorities along with 439 deaths [2]. New variants of interest and concern have emerged and spread [3], such as the Omicron variant and its sublineages [4]. Massive vaccination campaigns have reduced the burden of the virus on healthcare systems worldwide, consistently protecting people against severe forms of illness [5].…”

Impact of smartphone on mental health among medical undergraduates: A cross-sectional study

“…Also, a study conducted by Vandana S. Daulatabad et al , also observed that lack of physical activity and excessive smartphone had a negative impact on physical and mental health. [ 36 37 ] A study conducted by Anne-Linda Camerini et al ,[ 38 ] also found out that increased screen time was a risk factor for mental health problems. Recent studies show that excessive use of screens, including computer screens and smartphones, is associated with serious mental problems and cognitive impairments.…”

Coronavirus and Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review

“…The most notable mutations are N501Y, D614G, and E484K, which allow the virus to escape the protection offered by currently available vaccines. These structural changes also distort the antibody binding sites, further compromising the immune response to the infection (Kamble et al, 2022).…”