What To Know About The Newest Omicron Variant BA.2
News Times Link: With U.S. coronavirus cases showing early signs of decline, scientists are closely monitoring a newly identified variant of the omicron, nicknamed the “Stealth Omicron” which is generating new outbreaks in parts of Europe.
The culprit is a “sub-variant” of Omicron variant. This means that it is closely related to omicrons, but has some other mutations. This subtype, officially known as BA.2, has some variations that distinguish it from the original Omicron strain, but not enough to be considered an entirely new lineage.
Contrary to what the name suggests, the BA.2 subtype is not known as an “stealth” omicron because it is difficult to find. The nickname comes from an shortcut that helps researchers quickly identify omicrons in PCR tests. Due to the genetic sequencing of Omicron, the PCR test results differed from the usual positive tests, essentially providing researchers with an easy way to identify variants without sample sequencing. (PCR tests are not usually used to determine which mutations people have, but only to determine if they have the coronavirus.)
One of the BA.2 mutations removed the genetic feature, meaning that the label is no longer available.
The difference isn’t a big deal and it doesn’t affect how infections are managed in clinical settings, Wolf said, as microns now account for more than 99% of newly reported Covid-19 cases in the United States.
This is even more important as monoclonal antibodies were found to be less effective against Omicron last month, he added, as Omicron gained momentum over delta variants.
Sub-variant BA.2 most likely evolved as omicrons became widespread throughout the world. As a virus spreads and replicates, many mutations naturally select random mutations that can alter behavior, such as how contagious or how badly it can make people, even though many mutations won’t change how the virus affects people.
Are vaccines effective against Subvariant?
Although more research is needed, early reports indicate that the vaccine is as effective against BA.2 as against the original Omicron strain. Although the mutation in the omicron could better evade the protective antibodies produced by the vaccine and natural immunity, the vaccine and booster injections protected the majority of people from serious illness.
The omicron subvariant has been identified in several countries, including Denmark, the United Kingdom, Norway, India, the Philippines, and South Africa.
In the United States, BA.2 accounts for a very small percentage of newly reported cases, but has already been detected in California, Washington, New York, Texas, Utah, New Mexico, and other states.
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