Turning point: A new global COVID-19 wave or a signal of the beginning of the end of the global COVID-19 pandemic?

ABSTRACT: A new variant named Omicron (B.1.1.529), first identified in South Africa, has become of considerable interest to the World Health Organization. This variant differs from the other known major variants, as it carries a large number of unusual mutations, particularly in the spinous process protein and receptor binding domains. Some specific mutation sites make it vaccine resistant, highly infectious, and highly pathogenic. The world fears that the Omicron variant could be even more harmful than the previous major variant, given that it has emerged amid fierce competition to trigger a new global pandemic peak as infections in South Africa rise. However, some epidemiological evidence has emerged that the Omicron variant may produce milder patient symptoms. We speculate if the virulence of the

SUBMITTER: Ding K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8962637 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature