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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 16, 2025

Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2

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Concerns on the multiple nomenclature systems for SARS-CoV-2.

Xingguang Li^1,2

¹Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.

Journal of Medical Virology

|October 21, 2021

Summary

Confusing SARS-CoV-2 nomenclature hinders public understanding of COVID-19 variants. Developing simple, nonstigmatizing labels for significant mutations is crucial for effective communication and pandemic response.

Keywords:

COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 VOCs VOIs

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Area of Science:

Virology
Genetics
Public Health Communication

Background:

Multiple SARS-CoV-2 nomenclature systems exist, causing confusion.
Emerging variants of concern and interest pose significant global health risks.
Current naming conventions can be difficult for nonscientific audiences to understand.

Purpose of the Study:

To address the challenges posed by complex SARS-CoV-2 nomenclature.
To propose the development of accessible and nonstigmatizing labels for significant mutations.
To facilitate clearer public discussion and communication regarding COVID-19 variants.

Main Methods:

Analysis of existing SARS-CoV-2 nomenclature systems.
Identification of key challenges in current naming conventions.
Proposal for a new labeling strategy for viral mutations.

Main Results:

Existing SARS-CoV-2 naming systems are problematic and confusing.
There is a clear need for simplified and stigma-free mutation labels.
A new nomenclature approach is required to aid public comprehension.

Conclusions:

Effective communication about SARS-CoV-2 variants requires improved nomenclature.
Developing easy-to-pronounce and nonstigmatizing labels is essential.
This will support public understanding and inform the COVID-19 pandemic response.