Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2: Concerns, challenges, and recent updates

Omicron has shown immune escape from neutralizing antibodies generated through previous infection or vaccination. It could evade the protection provided by mAbs being used in clinics for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Booster dose is recommended to elevate the protective levels of antibodies in COVID‐19 vaccinated individuals. The development of powerful oral antiviral drugs such as Molnupiravir and Paxlovid have shown promising clinical results and raised new hopes of COVID‐19 treatment. High efforts are being made to develop highly efficacious vaccines, and by implementing appropriate prevention and control strategies to counter Omicron.

The recent challenges of highly contagious COVID-19, causing respiratory infections: Symptoms, diagnosis, transmission, possible vaccines, animal models, and immunotherapy

COVID-19 is highly contagious pathogenic viral infection initiated from Wuhan seafood wholesale market of China on December 2019 and spread rapidly around the whole world due to onward transmission. This recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (CoV) was believed to be originated from bats and causing respiratory infections such as common cold, dry cough, fever, headache, dyspnea, pneumonia, and finally Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans. For this widespread zoonotic virus, human-to-human transmission has resulted in nearly 83 lakh cases in 213 countries and territories with 4,50,686 deaths as on 19 June 2020. This review presents a report on the origin, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, possible vaccines, animal models, and immunotherapy for this novel virus and will provide ample references for the researchers toward the ongoing development of therapeutic agents and vaccines and also preventing the spread of this disease.

Twin combination of Omicron and Delta variants triggering a tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID-19 cases: A challenging global threat with a special focus on the Indian subcontinent

The emergence of Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted into a very massive surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide. Due to continuous emergence of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, the ongoing pandemic has caused severe morbidity and mortality in last two years. The rate of infectivity of Omicron variant is much higher than Delta variant and in a very quick time Omicron has displaced the Delta variant and now become a dominant variant across the globe. The twin combination of Omicron and Delta variant is triggering a Tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID-19 cases worldwide. This article highlights the global threats and challenges posed by Omicron, and strategies to counter it with a particular focus on Indian sub-continent.

SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern including Omicron: A never ending pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This zoonotic virus has emerged in Wuhan of China in December 2019 from bats and pangolins probably and continuing the human-to-human transmission globally since last two years. As there is no efficient approved treatment, a number of vaccines were developed at an unprecedented speed to counter the pandemic. Moreover, vaccine hesitancy is observed that may be another possible reason for this never ending pandemic. In the meantime, several variants and mutations were identified and causing multiple waves globally. Now the safety and efficacy of these vaccines are debatable and recommended to determine whether vaccines are able to interrupt transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC). Moreover, the VOCs continue to emerge that appear more transmissible and less sensitive to virus-specific immune responses. In this overview, we have highlighted various drugs and vaccines used to counter this pandemic along with their reported side effects. Moreover, the preliminary data for the novel VOC "Omicron" are discussed with the existing animal models.

Challenges of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant and Its Lineages: A Global Perspective

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has shown increased ability to mutate over the past two years, especially in the regions of the spike protein and receptor binding sites. Omicron (B.1.1.529) is the fifth variant of concern (VOC) after the emergence of the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta VOCs of SARS-CoV-2. This new variant has now circulated in 128 countries and according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), these 128 countries have shared 650,657 Omicron genome sequences as of 26 January, 2022. In this article, we highlight the real challenges of Omicron and its different lineages.

Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology in Cancer Treatment: A Future Direction

Gene editing, especially with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), has advanced gene function science. Gene editing's rapid advancement has increased its medical/clinical value. Due to its great specificity and efficiency, CRISPR/Cas9 can accurately and swiftly screen the whole genome. This simplifies disease-specific gene therapy. To study tumor origins, development, and metastasis, CRISPR/Cas9 can change genomes. In recent years, tumor treatment research has increasingly employed this method. CRISPR/Cas9 can treat cancer by removing genes or correcting mutations. Numerous preliminary tumor treatment studies have been conducted in relevant fields. CRISPR/Cas9 may treat gene-level tumors. CRISPR/Cas9-based personalized and targeted medicines may shape tumor treatment. This review examines CRISPR/Cas9 for tumor therapy research, which will be helpful in providing references for future studies on the pathogenesis of malignancy and its treatment.

Need of booster vaccine doses to counteract the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in the context of the Omicron variant and increasing COVID-19 cases: An update

The emergence of different variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant in November 2021, has resulted in a continuous major health concern at a global scale. Presently, the Omicron variant has spread very rapidly worldwide within a short time period. As the most mutated variant of SARS-CoV-2, Omicron has instilled serious uncertainties on the effectiveness of humoral adaptive immunity generated by COVID-19 vaccination or an active viral infection as well as the protection provided by antibody-based immunotherapies. Amidst such high public health concerns, the need to carry out booster vaccination has been emphasized. Current evidence reveals the importance of incorporating booster vaccination using several vaccine platforms, such as viral vector- and mRNA-based vaccines, as well as other platforms that are under explorative investigations. Further research is being conducted to assess the effectiveness and durability of protection provided by booster COVID-19 vaccination against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Immunological aspects and gender bias during respiratory viral infections including novel Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19): A scoping review

The human immune system is not adequately equipped to eliminate new microbes and could result in serious damage on first exposure. This is primarily attributed to the exaggerated immune response (inflammatory disease), which may prove detrimental to the host, as evidenced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. From the experiences of Novel Coronavirus Disease-19 to date, male patients are likely to suffer from high-intensity inflammation and disease severity than the female population. Hormones are considered the significant pillars of sex differences responsible for the discrepancy in immune response exhibited by males and females. Females appear to be better equipped to counter invading respiratory viral pathogens, including the novel SARS-CoV-2, than males. It can be hypothesized that females are more shielded from disease severity, probably owing to the diverse action/influence of estrogen and other sex hormones on both cellular (thymus-derived T lymphocytes) and humoral immunity (antibodies).

Nanoadjuvants: Promising Bioinspired and Biomimetic Approaches in Vaccine Innovation

Adjuvants are the important part of vaccine manufacturing as they elicit the vaccination effect and enhance the durability of the immune response through controlled release. In light of this, nanoadjuvants have shown unique broad spectrum advantages. As nanoparticles (NPs) based vaccines are fast-acting and better in terms of safety and usability parameters as compared to traditional vaccines, they have attracted the attention of researchers. A vaccine nanocarrier is another interesting and promising area for the development of next-generation vaccines for prophylaxis. This review looks at the various nanoadjuvants and their structure-function relationships. It compiles the state-of-art literature on numerous nanoadjuvants to help domain researchers orient their understanding and extend their endeavors in vaccines research and development.

Recent Trends and Developments in Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics

Conventional anticancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, have significantly improved cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the existing traditional anticancer treatments have been reported to cause serious side effects and resistance to cancer and even to severely affect the quality of life of cancer survivors, which indicates the utmost urgency to develop effective and safe anticancer treatments. As the primary focus of cancer nanotheranostics, nanomaterials with unique surface chemistry and shape have been investigated for integrating cancer diagnostics with treatment techniques, including guiding a prompt diagnosis, precise imaging, treatment with an effective dose, and real-time supervision of therapeutic efficacy. Several theranostic nanosystems have been explored for cancer diagnosis and treatment in the past decade. However, metal-based nanotheranostics continue to be the most common types of nonentities. Consequently, the present review covers the physical characteristics of effective metallic, functionalized, and hybrid nanotheranostic systems. The scope of coverage also includes the clinical advantages and limitations of cancer nanotheranostics. In light of these viewpoints, future research directions exploring the robustness and clinical viability of cancer nanotheranostics through various strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of theranostic nanoparticles are summarised.

The neglected continuously emerging Marburg virus disease in Africa: A global public health threat

Background and Aim

Severe viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is caused by Marburg virus which is a member of the Filoviridae (filovirus) family. Many Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreaks are reported in five decades. A major notable outbreak with substantial reported cases of infections and deaths was in 2022 in Uganda. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported MVD outbreak in Ghana in July 2022 following the detection of two probable VHF patients there. Further, the virus was reported from two other African countries, the Equatorial Guinea (February 2023) and Tanzania (March 2023). There have been 35 deaths out of 40 reported cases in Equatorial Guinea, and six of the nine confirmed cases in Tanzania so far.

Methods

Data particularly on the several MVD outbreaks as reported from the African countries were searched on various databases including the Pubmed, Scopus, and Web-of-science. Also, the primary data and reports from health agencies like the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC) were evaluated and the efficacy reviewed.

Results

Chiroptera in general and bat species like Rousettus aegyptiacus and Hipposideros caffer in particular are natural reservoirs of the Marburg virus. MVD-infected nonhuman primate African fruit-bat and the MVD-infected humans pose significant risk in human infections. Cross-border viral transmission and its potential further international ramification concerns raise the risk of its rapid spread and a potential outbreak. Occurrence of MVD is becoming more frequent in Africa with higher case fatality rates. Effective prophylactic and therapeutic interventions to counter this deadly virus are suggested.

Conclusion

In the face of the lack of effective therapeutics and preventives against MVD, supportive care is the only available option which contributes to the growing concern and disease severity. In view of the preventive approaches involving effective surveillance and monitoring system following the "One Health" model is extremely beneficial to ensure a healthy world for all, this article aims at emphasizing several MVD outbreaks, epidemiology, zoonosis of the virus, current treatment strategies, risk assessments, and the mitigation strategies against MVD.

Analyzing the emerging patterns of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants for the development of next-gen vaccine: An observational study

Background and Aim

Understanding the prevalence and impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants has assumed paramount importance. This study statistically analyzed to effectively track the emergence and spread of the variants and highlights the importance of such investigations in developing potential next-gen vaccine to combat the continuously emerging Omicron subvariants.

Methods

Transmission fitness advantage and effective reproductive number (R e) of epidemiologically relevant SARS-CoV-2 sublineages through time during the study period based on the GISAID data were estimated.

Results

The analyses covered the period from January to June 2023 around an array of sequenced samples. The dominance of the XBB variant strain, accounting for approximately 57.63% of the cases, was identified during the timeframe. XBB.1.5 exhibited 37.95% prevalence rate from March to June 2023. Multiple variants showed considerable global influence throughout the study, as sporadically documented. Notably, the XBB variant demonstrated an estimated relative 28% weekly growth advantage compared with others. Numerous variants were resistant to the over-the-counter vaccines and breakthrough infections were reported. Similarly, the efficacy of mAB-based therapy appeared limited. However, it's important to underscore the perceived benefits of these preventive and therapeutic measures were restricted to specific variants.

Conclusion

Given the observed trends, a comprehensive next-gen vaccine coupled with an advanced vaccination strategy could be a potential panacea in the fight against the pandemic. The findings suggest that targeted vaccine development could be an effective strategy to prevent infections. The study also highlights the need of global collaborations to rapidly develop and distribute the vaccines to ensure global human health.

The microbiota-related coinfections in COVID-19 patients: a real challenge

BACKGROUND

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected millions of people around the world, especially the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The infection transmission rate is considered more rapid than other deadly pandemics and severe epidemics encountered earlier, such as Ebola, Zika, Influenza, Marburg, SARS, and MERS. The public health situation therefore is really at a challenging crossroads.

MAIN BODY

The internal and external and resident microbiota community is crucial in human health and is essential for immune responses. This community tends to be altered due to pathogenic infections which would lead to severity of the disease as it progresses. Few of these resident microflora become negatively active during infectious diseases leading to coinfection, especially the opportunistic pathogens. Once such a condition sets in, it is difficult to diagnose, treat, and manage COVID-19 in a patient.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the various reported possible coinfections that arise in COVID-19 patients vis-à-vis other serious pathological conditions. The local immunity in lungs, nasal passages, oral cavity, and salivary glands are involved with different aspects of COVID-19 transmission and pathology. Also, the role of adaptive immune system is discussed at the site of infection to control the infection along with the proinflammatory cytokine therapy.

COVID-19 Era and the Constantly Reemerging Novel SARS-CoV-2 Variants Calls for Special Attention for the Geriatrics: A Real Challenge

Global public health is significantly challenged due to the continuing COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak brought forth by the severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) [...].

COVID-19 vaccines and their underbelly: Are we going the right way?

Background

Historically, a critical aetiological agent of health concern stays till eternity after its discovery, so shall it be with the COVID-19 outbreak. It has transformed human life to a 'new normal' with huge tolls on the social, psychological, intellectual and financial spheres.

Aim

This perspective aimed to collate numerous reported COVID-19 vaccine-associated adverse events and the predisposing factors. It focussed on the efficacy of mix-n-match (cocktail) vaccines to effectively counter COVID-19 infection to facilitate future research and possible interventions.

Material and Methods

Databases like Scopus, Pubmed and the Web-of-science were searched for published literature on 'adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccine'. The reports and updates from health agencies like the WHO and CDC were also considered for the purpose. The details with respect to the adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccination and the predisposing factors were compiled to obtain insights and suggest possible future directions in vaccine research.

Results

India stood strong to manage its health resources in time and turned into a dominant global vaccine supplier at a time when healthcare infrastructure of many countries was still significantly challenged. Developing indigenous vaccines and the vaccination drive in India were its major achievements during the second and the subsequent COVID-19 waves. The fully indigenous Covaxin vaccine, primarily as an emergency intervention, was successfully rapidly launched. Similar such vaccines for emergency use were developed elsewhere as well. However, all of these reached the marketplace with a 'emergency use only' tag, without formal clinical trials and other associated formalities to validate and verify them as these would require much longer incubation time before they are available for human use.

Discussion

Many adverse events associated with either the first or the second/booster vaccination doses were reported. Evidently, these associated adverse events were considered as 'usually rare' or were often underreported. Without the additional financial or ethical burden on the vaccine companies, fortunately, the Phase IV (human) clinical trials of their manufactured vaccines are occurring by default as the human population receives these under the tag 'emergency use'. Thus, focused and collaborative strategies to unveil the molecular mechanisms in vaccine-related adverse events in a time-bound manner are suggested.

Conclusion

Reliable data particularly on the safety of children is lacking as majority of the current over-the-counter COVID-19 vaccines were for emergency use. Many of these were still in their Phase III and Phase IV trials. The need for a mutant-proof, next-gen COVID-19 vaccine in the face of vaccine-associated adverse events is opined.

Deep and Transfer Learning Approaches for Automated Early Detection of Monkeypox (Mpox) Alongside Other Similar Skin Lesions and Their Classification

The world faces multiple public health emergencies simultaneously, such as COVID-19 and Monkeypox (mpox). mpox, from being a neglected disease, has emerged as a global threat that has spread to more than 100 nonendemic countries, even as COVID-19 has been spreading for more than 3 years now. The general mpox symptoms are similar to chickenpox and measles, thus leading to a possible misdiagnosis. This study aimed at facilitating a rapid and high-brevity mpox diagnosis. Reportedly, mpox circulates among particular groups, such as sexually promiscuous gay and bisexuals. Hence, selectively vaccinating, isolating, and treating them seems difficult due to the associated social stigma. Deep learning (DL) has great promise in image-based diagnosis and could help in error-free bulk diagnosis. The novelty proposed, the system adopted, and the methods and approaches are discussed in the article. The present work proposes the use of DL models for automated early mpox diagnosis. The performances of the proposed algorithms were evaluated using the data set available in public domain. The data set adopted for the study was meant for both training and testing, the details of which are elaborated. The performances of CNN, VGG19, ResNet 50, Inception v3, and Autoencoder algorithms were compared. It was concluded that CNN, VGG19, and Inception v3 could help in early detection of mpox skin lesions, and Inception v3 returned the best (96.56%) classification accuracy.