Contents
The new variant of the coronavirus is spreading at an unprecedented pace. Scientists are constantly wondering why this is happening. Perhaps the answer they are looking for is the results of the analyzes of their African colleagues. Recent studies show that asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 are responsible for a large proportion of Omicron infections.
- The rate of asymptomatic coronavirus transmission for the new strain can be up to 12 times higher than for the previous variants
- Analyzes by South African scientists are part of a larger study that tests the effectiveness of vaccines in people with reduced immunity, including HIV positive
- In South Africa, infections caused by Omikron account for 99,6 percent. all COVID-19 cases
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
Omicron attacks the asymptomatic much more than the previous variants
The above conclusions were drawn independently by two research teams from South Africa (South Africa). The first of them analyzed the results of PCR tests performed on asymptomatic people from mid-November to December 7, 2021. It turned out that in 16% of patients. of them have been diagnosed with coronavirus infection.
In the second, larger study, asymptomatic carriage of SARS-CoV-2 was found in 31% of respondents (samples were from the period 2-17 December 2021). All samples to be analyzed were verified as Omikron.
- How are the various variants of the coronavirus studied?
Interestingly, Similar studies were previously conducted also for earlier variants of the coronavirus – widespread in Beta and Delta Africa. The asymptomatic transmission rate was then 1%. up to 2,6% This is seven to 12 times less than the Omicronthe researchers said.
The rest of the text is below the video.
Africa is studying the effectiveness of vaccines in immunocompromised people
These findings are part of South African researchers’ conclusions from larger studies that are expected to answer the question of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
The first (referred to as the Ubuntu study) deals with Moderny and the protection it offers to HIV-positive people, while the second (Sisonko study) deals with the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In this case, immune responses and breakthrough infections were assessed in 1200 health care workers, including pregnant, breastfeeding or HIV-infected women. First the results suggest a high carrier rate even in vaccinated persons.
Ubuntu and Sisonke provide important data on vaccine safety, dosage and efficacy, but they also help us better understand how the virus can change and how these changes affect transmission. It is very important for us to know how Omikron and other variants are spreading among those who are immunocompromised as well as those who do not, said Dr. Nigel Garrett, head of vaccine and HIV pathogenesis research at the AIDS Research Program Center at South Africa.
- See also: Some vaccines may not work for Omikron. Latest research
– We are not yet able to determine how vaccination affects asymptomatic infection and spread of Omicron Linda-Gail Bekker, director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Center at the University of Cape Town, said, adding that there is a need to develop a strategy for the rapid detection of asymptomatic carrier status, especially in long-term care facilities and hospitals where SARS-CoV-2 may transfer to individuals from groups increased risk.
The preliminary results of both studies have been published in medRxiv and have not been peer reviewed.
Omicron in the world – where is it the most?
A new variant of the coronavirus was first detected in mid-November 2021 in Botswana. In less than a month, it spread to all continents. Currently, in many countries it has ousted or will soon replace the dominant variants, mainly Delta.
The largest number of cases of Omikron infection is still in Great Britain – it is 124. 435, 80,1 percent all cases of COVID-19. The new variant also causes huge problems in the US, where over 82 were detected. cases (64,9% of SARS-CoV-2 infections), as well as in Denmark (18 thousand.255 infections, 78% of all COVID-19 cases). In South Africa it is 2 thousand. 299 cases and 99,6 percent. infections.
Omikron appeared in Poland in mid-December. To date, 204 samples have been identified. However, as experts emphasize, the variant is certainly more numerous in Poland, but its detection is prevented by a too small number of PCR tests performed and a limited sample sequencing procedure.
- Also read: Why are there so few Omikron cases in Poland? [WE EXPLAIN]
Do you want to test your COVID-19 immunity after vaccination? Have you been infected and want to check your antibody levels? See the COVID-19 immunity test package, which you will perform at Diagnostics network points.
The editorial board recommends:
- «Omicron wave in 10-14 days». What awaits us? Sad forecasts for Poland
- In 2021, over half a million people died in Poland. The most tragic year since World War II
- Effects of COVID-19 on Recuperators. Over 100 symptoms
- Why do some people not get COVID-19? This can make you super immune
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl where you can get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving home.