Molecular and computational analysis of spike protein of newly emerged omicron variant in comparison to the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Iraq.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has had a major impact on world health over the last 2 years. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly concerning variants, may affect the virus's pathogenicity, transmissibility, and vaccines potency. Both delta and the omicron variants have been designated by WHO as variants of concern.

Methods and results

In this study, molecular techniques such as qPCR, conventional PCR, and sequencing were used to identify the first SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant that circulated in Iraq in January 2022. Bioinformatics and computational tools like phylogenetic analysis, predicted physical and chemical properties, stability, and molecular docking of the spike protein were used to compare the omicron with the d

SUBMITTER: Rashid PMA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9191401 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature