Abstract

OMICRON: A NEW VARIANT OF SARS-COV-2

Sonia Kamboj, Jyoti and Minky Mukhija*

ABSTRACT

In December 2019 there was an outbreak in China, which was identified SARS-CoV-2, as a new class of coronavirus. After this various variant of coronavirus were recognized and a new variant B.1.1.529 arrives, named omicron. It is unclear whether the infection caused by Omicron will be more severe as compared to other variants. In this short communication we are summarizing the reported information and queries about the Omicron. The bibliography investigation was analysed by scientific databases like SCOPUS, PUBMED, ScienceDirect, Springer link, Web of Science, WHO links and Google Scholar, etc. This variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November, 2021. There are large number of mutations, some of which have concerned to researchers. The symptoms of Omicron are not yet clear but it is found to be more contagious than other variants. Reports also revealed that few patients show asymptomatic or light symptoms like fatigue, aches and no cough or loss in sense of smell or taste. Current PCR tests can detect the variant. This widely used PCR test does not detect one of the three target genes ("S gene target failure"). This partial detection can be used as a marker for the variant like with alpha variant. Researchers all over the world are worried about this new variant as there is no specific treatment or antiviral drug is recommended. Though research is going on to find out the specific treatment and will covid -19 vaccine still work or what are the new things people should do to stay safe, till then health experts recommend to take vaccine and other precautionary steps like cover face with mask, avoid crowdy place.

Keywords: Omicron, Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.529.