Article Type : Research Article
Authors : Patwekar M
Keywords : Omicron variant; B.1.1.529; Spike mutation; COVID-19; Mucormycosis; Nanomaterial; SAR-CoV2
WHO designated a new variant of COVID-19 on 26th of November, 2021 which
is B.1.1.529 i.e. a variant of concern stated as “Omicron”, on the advice of
whose “Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution” (TAG-VE). TAG-VE made a
decision on the basis of several evidence which is presented to them about the
impact on how several mutations of Omicron behaves. Most commonly, the severity
of illness it causes or how easily it spreads. The variant of concern (VOC)
i.e., Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 was detected firstly in South
Africa but now it has been spread extensively on both regionally and globally.
There are chances for Omicron variant to become dominant in the upcoming days
or weeks, most probably due to increased risk of transmission. The very
noticeable feature of Omicron variant is large number of spike mutations that
possess a relevant threat to the potency of currently used Antibody therapies
and COVID-19 vaccines. The Omicron variant is considered to be more infectious
as it is at least three times more infectious than the original SARS-CoV-2 and
so than the delta variant. The Omicron variant has been so far reported in 160
countries including territories. After scientific study, the newly spread
Omicron variant is considered to be highly transmissible, even among the vaccinated
people. Mucormycosis infection occurs mostly in unvaccinated individuals and
people with vaccination have lower risk of getting infection. The review
includes the study of the role of the nanoparticle for the omicron, omicron
vaccine development, production, detection. The research even includes
different methods of preparation of the nanomaterial in relation to omicron.
COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-COV-2 it was firstly detected in 2019 in Wuhan city (China). COVID-19 is a severe case and has caused millions of deaths all around the world and it can be transferred from person to person [1]. The people who are down with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and some will become seriously infected and they may require the special medical attention [2]. The novel Corona virus which are known to infect or affect the human beings first detected in 2019 and it has been around for quite a time in animals and this Virus from animal crosses into the Humans. Scientist claims that this Virus is not new to the world but it is new to the Human beings and hence, Scientist named this virus as “NOVEL CORONA VIRUS” [3]. Most common type of symptoms of COVID-19 includes – Fever, Cough, Anosmia (loss of smell), Ageusia (loss of sense of taste) [4].
The variant of concern stated as Omicron (B.1.1.529)
is a variant of SARS-CoV-2 which was first detected in South Africa, but now it
has been spread extensively on both regionally and globally.
Table
1: The comparison between
different SARS-COV-2 Variants.
Covid-19
Variants |
Country Of Origin |
|
Spike Protein Mutations |
Prevalence Of Analysed Sequences |
Countries Or Territories Reported In |
Lineage | |||||
ALPHA |
United Kingdom (UK), SEPT 2020. |
B.1.1.7 |
11 |
<0.1% |
197 |
BETA |
South Africa, May 2020. |
B.1.351 |
10 |
<0.1% |
146 |
GAMMA |
Brazil, November 2020. |
P.1 |
12 |
0.10% |
103 |
DELTA |
India, October 2020. |
B.1.617.2 |
10 |
99.80% |
196 |
OMICRON |
South Africa, November 2021. |
B.1.1.529 |
32 |
Unknown |
160 |
Data
Continents |
Total Population |
Confirmed Omicron cases |
Asia |
4.5 Billion |
454513309 |
North America |
583 Million |
112791792 |
South America |
424 Million |
13040240 |
Africa |
1.276 Billion |
64396025 |
Europe |
746 Million |
371324005 |
Graphical representation of different COVID-19 variants. |
The Omicron Infection has crossed over approximately
330 million worldwide and the global death due to Omicron reaches to 5.5
million according to “John Hopkins University” [11]. There are various
questions arising concerning the Omicron variant, they are -
Is the Omicron variant more severe than the other
SARS-COV-2 Variants?
Preliminary reports suggests that the risk of
hospitalization for Omicron is less as compared to the other variants. However,
increased transmission may be expected which may lead to hospitalization [12].
According to the Head of WHO (World Health
Organization), the highly infectious variant of COVID-19 which is Omicron
causes the less severe disease when compared to other variants and it will
remain as “Dangerous virus” for the unvaccinated individuals.
Why has Omicron spread so rapidly?
The rapid expansion of Omicron is because of some of
the mutations on the spike protein allow the virus to break out the existing
immunity from vaccination or earlier infection. The studies on animals reported
that Omicron is more preferable to multiply in the upper airways like Nose and
Throat rather than lungs [13].
Do Monoclonal Antibodies work against Omicron?
Woefully, most of the Monoclonal Antibodies which are
used for the treatment of COVID-19 infection are ineffective against this
Omicron variant of Corona virus. The only Monoclonal Antibody available for
effective treatment of Omicron is “SOTROVIMAB” known by the Brand name –
“XEVUDY” [14].
How is Omicron different from the other variants?
The brief description of the different variants available with its country of origin, lineage, and prevalence is described in (Table 1), followed by (Figure 1) [15].
Figure 1: Different SARS-COV-2 variants.
The majority of signs and symptoms associated with Omicron variant are Common cold including –Headache, Fatigue, Sore throat, Runny nose, Sneezing 4 and Extreme tiredness, Low Oxygen level Anosmia and Ageusia.
Figure 2: Omicron case count in different continents.
The common symptoms usually are a sudden onset
of fever, coughing, and dyspnea. The more complicated symptoms include acute
respiratory disorders, pneumonia, kidney damage, bacterial infections,
coagulation abnormalities and thromboembolic events, sepsis, and even death. So
far, some of the clinical factors, such as old age people, patient with
diabetes, as well as come prevailing with some cardiovascular diseases, have
been associated with outcome and t high risk of mortality [16] (Figure 2).
From (Figure 3), it is concluded that the Delta variant is considered as the highly infectious and transmissible variant of COVID-19 followed by Alpha and Omicron.
Figure 3: Graphical representation of the number of case counts of different COVID-19 variants worldwide. (As of 9th February).
Since, the Omicron cases is increasing day by day at
an alarming rate and studies suggests that Omicron cases will elevate higher
than delta counts.
The Preventive measures to control the Omicron
Infection are
Monoclonal antibodies
A Monoclonal antibody is derived from the clone of single B-lymphocyte cell and fused with Myeloma cell through Hybridoma technology. Monoclonal Antibodies can be produced by two technique – 1) Recombinant Antibody production and 2) Hybridoma technology [17]. Due to rapidly increase in Omicron case count, the U.S. FDA (FOOD and DRUG ADMINISTRATION) uses the biotechnological method to treat the infection. The FDA revised the authorization for two Monoclonal Antibodies i.e., “Bamlanivimab” and “Etesevimab” and limit their use to only when person is infected with a variant. However, after studying and collecting data, it was suggested as these Monoclonal Antibodies are ineffective against Omicron variant which was circulating at an alarming rate in United States and hence the treatments are not authorized to use by FDA.
Booster doses
A Booster dose is an additional vaccine dose which is given after the two vaccine doses for protection and to fight against the infection. Booster dose helps in giving long-term protection against infection caused by COVID-19 and other variants [18]. The Booster provides a noteworthy bump in protecting the infection without the third dose of vaccine [19]. The protection offer by vaccination is reduced mainly because if two reasons - The Antibodies which was generated by vaccination decreases over the time and Omicron can get away from vaccine induced immunity because of constellation of its mutations [20].
Vaccination
A vaccine is a suspension of weakened, killed or
fragmented microbes or biological preparations or the toxins which is
administered into the body to fight the infection caused by virus or antigens
[21]. According to WHO (World Health Organization), Omicron variant is considered
to be less severe but still it is a dangerous virus and hence vaccination is
extremely important for protection and transmission of Omicron variant [22].
Since, the studies so far suggests that two vaccine doses may not be sufficient
for protection against Omicron and hence boosting with an additional shot may
be necessary which is Booster dose [23].
Self-Protective measures
Physical distancing, Wearing well fitted mask over
nose and mouth, Work from home if possible.
Who recommended some
actions for countries
There are several
actions WHO recommends the countries to undertake and they are as follows-
Enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases. Sharing genome sequences on
publicly available databases, like GISAID. Reporting of cases to WHO. Countries
should enhance public health and medical capacities for the management of the
cases.
The most common and best steps any person can take to
prevent the expansion of infection is to maintain a physical distance from
others (at least 1 meter). To wear a mask. Avoid the crowded places. To wash and sanitize the hands regularly. Cough or
sneeze into a bent elbow. Most important is to get vaccinated.
Black fungus affecting
covid patients
What is Blackfungus?
Blackfungus is a very rare type of fungal infection
which is mostly caused by group of moulds called Mucormycetes present in soil,
decayed fruits and organic matters, plants, manure and vegetables. It is also
known as “Mucormycosis” [24,25]. Since, the black fungus is only be able to
survive in the patients or individual with weak immune system especially who
are suffering from diabetes mellitus (Hyperglycemia) or those taking
immunosuppressive steroids to treat the COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 was
already a matter of great concern but the risk of fungal infection affiliated
with it has increased the sense of havoc in India c.
Types of Mucormycosis:
There are various types of Mucormycosis infection, they are –
·
Cutaneous Mucormycosis (Skin).
·
Rhinocerebral
Mucormycosis (Sinus and Brain).
·
Pulmonary Mucormycosis
(Lungs).
·
Gastrointestinal
Mucormycosis.
·
Disseminated
Mucormycosis.
The second wave of COVID-19 affected lots of Indian
with a very rare and mysterious fungal infection called as Mucormycosis. The
studies concluded that the use of immunosuppressant for Covid-19 increases the
chances of infection with blackfungus i.e. Mucormycosis [26]. Black fungus is a
serious infection and if it is left Untreated at an early stage it may cause Blindness,
Nerve damage, Blood clots, and may be a life threatening. According to the
studies, it has a mortality rate of 50-54%. The patients who take the
medicaments with a possibility to decrease the capacity of immune system to
fight the infection are more susceptible to get infected with Black fungus. So,
patients who are recovering from covid-19 have higher chances of black fungal
infection. After studying, Doctors are suggesting that mucormycosis is being
activated after the use of Steroids which is used for the treatment in severe
and critically ill covid patient’s.
Black fungal infection (Mucormycosis)
in Delta variant
In India, during the second wave of COVID-19,
Mucormycosis was succeeded by an oxygen crisis and many of the patients
suffered from prolonged hypoxia and ischemia throughout the recovery and many
of the patients with minor black fungal infection symptoms were treated simply
by isolating at home without oxygen. It is more probable that combination of
prolonged hypoxia and severe hyperglycemia (diabetes mellitus) together may
develops an ideal condition which may lead to faster black fungal infection
[27].
Black fungus in Omicron
variant
Since, we have seen a higher death rate in second wave
due to Mucormycosis in covid patients. Now, the people are more concerned about
the comeback of black fungus in Omicron variant i.e. in third wave. Doctors
said that, there is no detection of black fungus counts in the Omicron cases
because, most of the patients have mild to moderate symptoms and hence does not
need immunomodulating agents and oxygen flow in the course of their treatment.
However, mumbai city of India reported its first case of black fungus in 2022
in a 70 year old patient diagnosed with covid symptoms.
Symptoms associated with
Black fungal infection
Nasal congestion,
Numbness, Swellings, Pain on the cheek bone, Uni-side facial pain, Blurred
vision, Lesions on skin, Necrosis, chest pain, loosening of teeth, thrombosis,
worsening of respiratory system [28,29].
Nanomaterials are considered as the materials whose
size ranges from 1nm to 100nm i.e., less than 100nm. Nanomaterials can be obtained
directly from nature or they may be obtained as the byproduct of the combustion
reactions. The outbreak of newly designated variant of concern (Omicron)
created a sense of havoc all over the world and the number of case counts are
increasing at high rate and the mortality ratio is also increasing due to this
infection. On this point, the Nanotechnology was the ray of hope for the
development of novel approaches in treating, diagnosing, and preventing of
Covid-19 and Omicron infection. Nanotechnology offers a nano-based materials
for personal protection, diagnosis, treatment, for surface disinfectant, for
production of vaccines, Covid-19 diagnostic kits, etc. Due to the distinctive
properties of nanomaterials like nano size, faster solubility, surface
adaptability and many other functions, they are now broadly used and studied
for various purpose especially in medical field which results in the
establishment of finer and safer drugs, personalized medicaments, and early
detection and prevention of diseases [30]. Nanomaterials have been useful in
developing face masks for protection against virus and in surface disinfectants
with the self-disinfecting property has been exceedingly helpful for the
hospitals and other health care systems. Here, previous studies have divulged
that the Metals like Silver (Ag) and Copper (Cu) have the very good antiviral
property. Ag-Cu combination nanomaterials shows an excellent biological
function. Non-metals nanomaterials like hydrophobic graphene nanomaterials and
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) have also been successfully developed by the scientist
for face masks with self-disinfecting properties [31].
Nanotechnology gripped large capability in vaccine
production and also it could help to fight against the Covid infection by using
various strategies like – manufacturing of infection free personal protectives
to increase safety for health care system, designing of nano-based sensors for
the detection of infection, manufacturing of new drugs, and importantly
developing nano-based vaccines to enhance the immune system of the body. The
vaccines made by using nanomaterials are considered as the very good substitute
to the traditional vaccines because of controlled drug kinetics, highly stable nature,
etc. The adjuvants derived from nano-based materials have more dominant
properties which enhances the potency and efficacy of vaccines [32].
Virus detection can be easily done by RT-PCR (Real
Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, but the major disadvantage of that is the
longer time for detecting the virus. Thus, Biosensors was one of the most
beneficiary approaches for detecting the infection. For the identification of
RNA-virus’s nanomaterials like Gold (Au) – Silver (Ag) and surface plasmon
resonance electrochemical Biosensors shows the promising role in helping as the
portable instrument/tool for the diagnosis of Omicron infection [33].
Nano-based materials are also helpful in gene
therapy. Small interfering RNA's (SiRNA's) are highly effective in lowering the
rate of replication in the virus. The safety and efficacy of SiRNA based gene
therapy is dependent solely on targeted cellular or tissue delivery of
interfering RNA's. In this point, nano-carriers which is innocuous,
biocompatible i.e. Made up of lipids and polymers and also lipid/polymer
hybrids nanomaterials, oxide of iron (Fe2O3), gold
nano-based materials, nano-based hydrogels are used. These nano-carriers increases
the stability of small interfering RNA's by stopping the degradation of enzymes
[34].
Mainly there are 3 methods which is used to prepare
nanomaterials viz –
Physical method: The
physical method includes [35-39]
·
High energy ball milling
·
Laser pyrolysis
·
Flash spray pyrolysis
·
Inert gas condensation
·
Electro spraying
·
Melt mixing
·
Pulse vapor deposition.
Biological Method:
The biological methods for synthesizing nanomaterials are-
·
Bio-templates assisted
biogenesis
·
Microorganisms assisted
biogenesis
·
Plant extracts assisted
biogenesis.
Chemical Method:
·
Sol-Gel synthesis
·
Micro emulsion technique
·
Hydrothermal synthesis
·
Polyol synthesis
·
Chemical vapor synthesis
·
Plasma enhanced chemical vapor
deposition.
Types of nanomaterials
used in relation with Omicron
·
Nano based lipid
carriers.
·
Hydrogels
·
Polymeric nano-based
capsules
·
Graphene sheets
·
Metal and non-metals
nanoparticles
·
Magnetic nanomaterials
·
Carbon nano-based tube
·
Hybrid nano composite
·
Synthetic virus like
particle
·
Nano wires, rods, stars,
etc.
After scientific study, the newly spread Omicron
variant is considered to be highly transmissible, even among the vaccinated
people. The Omicron variant reported firstly in South Africa on 24th of
November and it has been spread extensively all over the world at higher rate.
Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has 32 spike mutations. Early
studies indicates that the newly designated variant of COVID-19 is highly
transmissible even among the vaccinated people. However, it can be controlled
by taking various precautions and Booster dose along with vaccines. The spike protein of Omicron has several mutations
which makes the virus more infectious. In USA, the death rates due to Omicron
is increasing rapidly when compared to the death rates in the delta wave. One of the studies from Hong Kong University states
that Omicron is able to duplicate 70 times faster in the bronchial tissues of
human than any other variants of COVID-19. The
extensive spread of Omicron variant has indicated that we need to remain on our
guard. Some studies concluded that, Mucormycosis
infection occurs mostly in unvaccinated individuals and people with vaccination
have lower risk of getting infection. The review
constate of the different types of the nonmaterial used for the production of
omicron vaccine, the type of the nanomaterial.
All the authors have equally contributed in
conceiving this research and designing of experiments; all authors have participated
in the design and interpretation of the data; writing the paper and
participated in the revisions of it. All authors read and approved the final
manuscript.
The authors Mohsina FP, Faheem IP, Patel Ilyas, and
Khan Sabit declares that there is no conflict of interest.
We would like to express our very great appreciation
to the principal of Luqman College of pharmacy for granting us permission to
carry out the work. Advice given by Mr Faheem IP has been a great help in work.
The completion of this undertaking couldn’t have been possible without the
involvement and support of so many individuals whose names may not all be
enumerated. Their contributions are sincerely appreciated and gratefully
acknowledged. Above all, to the Great Almighty, the author of knowledge and
wisdom, for his countless love and blessings.