Early assessment of the clinical severity of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant in South Africa: a data linkage study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant of concern was identified in South Africa in November, 2021, and was associated with an increase in COVID-19 cases. We aimed to assess the clinical severity of infections with the omicron variant using S gene target failure (SGTF) on the Thermo Fisher Scientific TaqPath COVID-19 PCR test as a proxy.

Methods

We did data linkages for national, South African COVID-19 case data, SARS-CoV-2 laboratory test data, SARS-CoV-2 genome data, and COVID-19 hospital admissions data. For individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 via TaqPath PCR tests, infections were designated as either SGTF or non-SGTF. The delta variant was identified by genome sequencing. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we assessed disease severity and hospitalisation

SUBMITTER: Wolter N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8769664 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature