Challenges of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant and Its Lineages: A Global Perspective
Ranjan K. Mohapatra, Venkataramana Kandi, Sarika Verma, Kuldeep Dhama
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has shown increased ability to mutate over the past two years, especially in the regions of the spike protein and receptor binding sites. Omicron (B.1.1.529) is the fifth variant of concern (VOC) after the emergence of the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta VOCs of SARS-CoV-2. This new variant has now circulated in 128 countries and according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), these 128 countries have shared 650,657 Omicron genome sequences as of 26 January, 2022. In this article, we highlight the real challenges of Omicron and its different lineages.
Topics & Concepts
Perspective (graphical)Computational biologyBiologyChemistryEvolutionary biologyComputer scienceArtificial intelligenceAdvancements in Semiconductor Devices and Circuit DesignParticle Detector Development and PerformanceElectrostatic Discharge in Electronics