Risk evaluation and mitigation strategies for newly detected SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BF.7 subvariant: A brief report

Abstract

Mutations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are always going on. The pathogenic characteristics of a virus are influenced by mutations in the viral genome. Therefore, the recently identified Omicron BF.7 subvariant might harm humans. Here we aimed to evaluate the potential risks of this newly detected variant and identify possible mitigation strategies. The frequent mutation associated with SARS-CoV-2 makes it more concerning compared to other viruses. The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has unique changes in the structural amino acid. Thus, Omicron subvariants are different from other coronavirus variants in terms of viral spread, disease severity, vaccine neutralization capacity, and immunity evade. Moreover, Omicron subvariant BF.7 is an offspring of BA.4 and BA.5. Similar S glycoprotein sequences are present among BF.7, BA.4, and BA.5.There is a change in the R346T gene in the receptor binding site of Omicron BF.7 than other Omicron subvariants. This BF.7 subvariant has created a limitation in current monoclonal antibody therapy. Omicron has mutated since it emerged, and the subvariants are improving in terms of transmission as well as antibody evasion.Therefore, the healthcare authorities should pay attention to the BF.7 subvariant of Omicron. The recent upsurge may create havoc all of a sudden. Scientists and researchers across the world should monitor the nature and mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Also, they should find ways to fight the current circulatory variants and any future mutations.

Epidemiological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.5.2 and BF.7 in the Chinese mainland during December 2022 based on three online questionnaire surveys involving 211,093 participants.

“…9 BF.7 (BA.5.2.1.7) is a sublineage of BA.5, thus BF.7 and BA.5.2 have similar epidemiological characteristics in theory. 10…”

The recent outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in African countries are indicating potential threat to the global public health: Future prediction from historical data

“…17 Being an RNA virus, the Marburg virus is also prone to mutation like COVID-19. [18][19][20] This mutation may increase the power of the Marburg virus in terms of virulence, transmissibility, mortality, and morbidity rate. [21][22][23][24][25] Therefore, it can become a potential threat to COVID-19 has already impacted the mental health of people of all classes.…”

“…The virus can transmit to humans through nonhuman primates 17 . Being an RNA virus, the Marburg virus is also prone to mutation like COVID‐19 18–20 . This mutation may increase the power of the Marburg virus in terms of virulence, transmissibility, mortality, and morbidity rate 21–25 .…”

The recent Nipah virus outbreak in Bangladesh could be a threat for global public health: A brief report

“…People of all classes have been severely affected by COVID‐19 32 . The newer variants of COVID‐19 are always a headache to the world 33,34 . Among the existing pandemic, the world and its inhabitants are not ready for another pandemic.…”