Liao C X, Wang B, Lyu J, Li L M
School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Beijing 100191, China.
Peking University Health Science Center Meinian Public Health Institute, Beijing 100191, China.
Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2022 Nov 10;43(11):1691-1698. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20220929-00829.
2019-nCoV Omicron variant has become predominant in the world. New subvariants with further mutations in their spike proteins are continuously emerging. Compared with the wild type and other variants of concern, Omicron variant exhibits altered etiological and epidemiological characteristics, with weakened pathogenicity and toxicity in laboratory mice and hamsters as well as enhanced immune escape capacity. The human infections are more likely to be asymptomatic and mild characterized by upper respiratory tract symptoms with reduced risk of hospitalization and death. In addition, Omicron variant can transmit more rapidly and shows shorter incubation period to cause infection, and the variant is more likely to transmit through contamination of object surfaces and aerosols spread. This paper summarizes the etiological and epidemiological characteristics of Omicron variant to provide a reference for the effective prevention and control of Omicron variant infection.
2019新型冠状病毒奥密克戎变异株已在全球占据主导地位。其刺突蛋白有进一步突变的新亚变体不断出现。与野生型及其他关注变异株相比，奥密克戎变异株的病原学和流行病学特征发生了改变，在实验室小鼠和仓鼠中致病性和毒性减弱，免疫逃逸能力增强。人类感染后更易出现无症状及轻症，以上呼吸道症状为主，住院和死亡风险降低。此外，奥密克戎变异株传播更快，潜伏期更短，更易通过物体表面污染和气溶胶传播导致感染。本文总结奥密克戎变异株的病原学和流行病学特征，为有效防控奥密克戎变异株感染提供参考。
