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The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) is an independent group of experts that periodically monitors and evaluates the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and assesses whether specific mutations and combinations of mutations affect the behavior of the virus. . On November 26, 2021, the TAG-VE was convened to assess the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529.
The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 24, 2021. The epidemiological situation in South Africa was characterized by three clear peaks in reported cases, the last of which was mainly the Delta variant used to be. In recent weeks, infections have greatly increased, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a sample collected on November 9, 2021.
This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are of concern. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, compared to other VOCs. The number of cases of this variant seems to be increasing in almost all provinces of South Africa. Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant. Several labs have indicated that for one commonly used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected (called S gene loss or S gene target failure) and this test can therefore be used as a marker for this variant, pending confirmation of the sequence. Using this approach, this variant has been detected faster than previous increases in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.
A number of studies are underway and the TAG-VE will continue to evaluate this variant. WHO will communicate new findings to Member States and the public as appropriate.
Based on the presented evidence indicating an adverse change in COVID-19 epidemiology, TAG-VE advised WHO to designate this variant as a VOC and WHO designated B.1.1.529 as a VOC, Called Omicron.
