Omicron: A SARS-CoV-2 Variant

Abstract

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Various variants of SARS-CoV-2 were responsible for causing havoc worldwide resulting in approximately 6.9 million deaths across the globe to date. Since the end of 2021, Omicron (B.1.1.529) has been the recent most variant to be studied and understood to a greater extent. Omicron was found to be the most mutated variant, which enhanced its pathogenic characteristics. Its highly contagious nature and the ability to evade immunity have made it a cause of global concern. The variant also poses a serious risk of reinfection. Furthermore, vaccines developed in response to COVID-19 were found to be less successful with Omicron infections. For the development of targeted vaccines and efficient therapeutic methods, it is necessary to understand the pathogenesis of Omicron. Numerous studies have been conducted to analyze the molecular properties of this variant. This chapter summarizes the biological and molecular properties of this variant and its successive mutations. Further, the clinical traits of the variant, including its pathogenicity, transmissibility and response to body’s immune actions and vaccines are discussed. Precisely examining the mechanisms through which the variant infects and propagates inside the host can aid in preventing the illness and lead to successful management of its global spread.