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COVID-19 outbreaks caused by different SARS-CoV-2 variants: a descriptive, comparative study from China
Cao Chen1,2, Yenan Feng1, Zeyuan Yin1
1National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Omicron variants caused more COVID-19 outbreaks in China than Delta or Alpha. Rapidly containing Omicron outbreaks can reduce viral spread and slow SARS-CoV-2 mutation frequency.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- COVID-19 outbreaks caused by SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) present unique epidemic characteristics.
- Understanding the mutation and evolution patterns of these VOCs is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemic profiles, viral mutation, and evolution of COVID-19 outbreaks caused by different SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in China.
- To compare the characteristics of outbreaks caused by Delta and Omicron VOCs.
- To investigate mutational changes within and between SARS-CoV-2 subvariant outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Systematic collation of epidemic profiles of SARS-CoV-2 VOC outbreaks in China.
- Comparative analysis of Delta and Omicron VOC outbreak data.
- Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 subvariant genomic mutations in relation to outbreak duration and case numbers.
Main Results:
- As of August 2022, China reported 2 Alpha, 33 Delta, and 124 Omicron VOC outbreaks.
- Omicron VOCs exhibited wider spread in terms of outbreak numbers, affected areas, and total confirmed cases compared to other variants.
- Frequent mutations were observed in SARS-CoV-2 genomes from outbreaks with longer duration and higher infection counts.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in the epidemic characteristics between Delta and Omicron VOC outbreaks in China.
- The SARS-CoV-2 genome demonstrates continuous evolution within and across outbreaks.
- Prompt containment of Omicron outbreaks is recommended to mitigate viral spread and delay mutation rates.
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