Erabi G, Faridzadeh A, Parvin A, Deravi N, Rahmanian M, Fathi M, Aleebrahim‐Dehkordi E, Rezaei N. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (BA.4, BA.5) variant: Lessons learned from a new variant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Sci Rep 2024;
7:e1873. [PMID:
38332930 PMCID:
PMC10851086 DOI:
10.1002/hsr2.1873]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim
In late 2021, the world faced the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, which quickly became the variant of concern. In April 2022, two new lineages of Omicron (BA.4/BA.5) emerged from Africa, where they caused the fifth wave of infection.
Method
We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus online databases up to December 2023 for founding relevant studies.
Results
BA.4 and BA.5 subgroups, with changes in the spike protein, have a greater ability to escape from the immune system, which was possible with the help of L452R and F486V mutations. Epidemiologically, these evolving subtypes show similarities to seasonal influenza but with higher mortality rates. The symptoms of these subgroups are different from the previous types in the form of upper respiratory symptoms. Antiviral treatments, the use of antibodies such as bebtelovimab, and the development of vaccines are promising.
Conclusion
Consequently, we must continue to be vigilant in our joint surveillance efforts against COVID-19 in diagnosis and treatment.
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