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Editorial
. 2022 Jun;4(3):147-149.
doi: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.01.002. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 imposes a new challenge for the global public health

Zepeng Xu  1   2 , Kefang Liu  1 , George F Gao  1
Affiliations
Editorial

Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 imposes a new challenge for the global public health

Zepeng Xu et al. Biosaf Health. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Since its first discovery, the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evoked another wave of infection and caused global concern and panic. Moreover, although the data are still limited, Omicron showed highly concerning characteristics, including higher transmissibility, extensive immune escape and potentially altered host range. We interpreted these characteristics based on currently available data and outlined some urgent questions, calling for a more comprehensive investigation.

Keywords: Immune escape; Interspecies transmission; Omicron strain; SARS-CoV-2.

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References

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