Detection of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in international travelers returning to Venezuela.

ABSTRACT:

Background

By the end of 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VOC) Delta was predominant in most of the world. At the end of November, the Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa. This variant was immediately classified as VOC, due to the explosive increase of cases in South Africa, and the great number of mutations exhibited by this new lineage. Since then, Omicron VOC displaced Delta one in almost every country. Venezuela implemented in May 2021 molecular testing of all the passengers arriving at Venezuelan airports.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the presence of variants of SARS-CoV-2 in those positive samples, by sequencing a small fragment of the Spike genomic region.

Results

The Omicron variant was found in passengers arriving to Venezuela fro

SUBMITTER: Jaspe RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8982480 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature