The Omicron variant was identified in November 2021 and designated a variant of concern due to its large number of mutations. It has over 30 mutations to the spike protein which could impact immune response. While signs and symptoms are similar to other variants, early research suggests Omicron is highly transmissible but less severe. Diagnosis involves testing, imaging, and lab work. Treatment depends on severity but may include antivirals, steroids, oxygen support. Though more transmissible, Omicron appears to be less able to penetrate deep lung tissue and results in lower rates of hospitalization and death compared to Delta.

2. SEQ
Intro
Signs & Symptoms
Diagnosis & Treatment
Burden on Healthcare
RECOMS
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3. INTRO
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4. INTRO
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 Omicron variant identified on 24 Nov 2021 in South Africa
 WHO's Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution declared PANGO
(Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak Lineages) B.1.1.529 a variant of
concern (VOC) and designated it with the Greek letter omicron on 26 Nov
 Large number of mutations
 Uncertain behavior
 Risk to bypass vaccination / Treatment

5. INTRO
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Three key properties of a variant are likely to
influence the overall threat from it
Its transmissibility
(relative to circulating variants)
Itsvirulence
(ability to cause severe disease)
Its ability to evade
immune responses
(prior infection and vaccines & therapeutics)

6. INTRO
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 Omicron variant
 Total of 60 mutations compared to the reference / ancestral variant
 50 non-synonymous mutations
 Changes in genetic material named nucleotide
 Nucleotide substitution that changes corresponding amino acid in protein sequences
 8 synonymous mutations (nucleotide substitution that does not change corresponding amino
acid in protein)
 2 non-coding mutations (causes virus to synthesize protein at wrong place or wrong time)
 Thirty-two mutations affect the spike protein, the main antigenic target of antibodies generated by
infections and of many vaccines widely administered

7. INTRO
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 Virus
 Spike protein
 It allows virus to penetrate host cells and cause infection
 Plays key role in receptor recognition & cell membrane fusion
 Epitope
 It determines characteristics of a specific antigens
 Part of antigen that binds to specific antigen receptor on surface of B cell (immunity cell which
make antibodies)

8. INTRO
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 Omicron variant concerns
 Large number of mutations may reduce immunity
 More infective in this regard than prior variants
 Health services could be overwhelmed
 Virus is losing epitope of antigen on its surface
 Immune cells recognize and attach to epitope of antigen of the virus
 Some of the antibodies and T cell clones made against earlier versions of the virus, or against
the vaccines may not be effective
 Omicron tends to be better able to re-infect people who have been previously infected and received
some protection against COVID-19

9. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
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10. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
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 Fever
 Aches & Pains
 Cough
 Fatigue
 Congestion or runny nose
 Night sweats

11. DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
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12. DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
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 Omicron variant diagnosis
 History
 Clinical examination
 Shortness of breath
 Oxygen saturation
 Chest pain / crepitations
 COVID PCR
 HRCT
 LAB investigations
 LDH lvl
 D Dimers
 CRP

13. DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
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 Omicron variant treatment
 Mild
 Supportive treatment
 Isolation
 Moderate
 Admission
 Antiviral drugs
 Blood thinners
 Steriods
 Severe
 Oxygen Support
 BiPAP / Ventilator
 IL–6 Inhibitor (ACTEMRA)
 Therapeutic Plasma Exchange

14. BURDEN ON HEALTHCARE
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15. BURDEN ON HEALTHCARE
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 Multiplies around 70 times faster than the Delta variant in the bronchi (lung airways)
 Less able to penetrate deep lung tissue
 91 percent less fatal than the delta variant
 51 percent less risk of hospitalization

16. BURDEN ON HEALTHCARE
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2021 2022