Comparison of variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 March 2022
At end of November 2021, a new variant of concern (VoC) of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) raised concern due to its specific characteristics. It was detected for the first time in South Africa and has spread at 199 countries and territories as of March 29, 2022. The variant is called 'Omicron' (lineage B.1.1.529) and has more than 30 spike protein mutations. These mutations are especially under investigation because they could lead to an increased transmissibility and make the virus potentially capable of evading vaccine-mediated immunity.
The first variant of concern was called B.1.1.7 (today: Alpha) and was first detected in the United Kingdom in December 2020. In the meantime there had been verified appearances in nearly 200 countries and territories, as of November 2021. For the first time, the main problem with this variant was its increased transmissibility which was first estimated at 40-50 percent.
The first variant of concern was called B.1.1.7 (today: Alpha) and was first detected in the United Kingdom in December 2020. In the meantime there had been verified appearances in nearly 200 countries and territories, as of November 2021. For the first time, the main problem with this variant was its increased transmissibility which was first estimated at 40-50 percent.
