The debut of coronavirus (CoV) in December 2019 shook our society, resulting in more than 5 million fatalities globally over the past couple of years 

The debut of coronavirus (CoV) in December 2019 shook our society, resulting in more than 5 million fatalities globally over the past couple of years [1]. As a preventative measure for this viral and highly contagious outbreak, physical and social isolation is essential. The original SARS-CoV-2 virus has numerous mutant variants. Because of its remarkable resemblance to SARS-CoV, the new CoV was first labeled SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) but was eventually renamed Coronavirus Disease-19, or COVID-19 [2,3]. currently, the most important variation is Omicron, commonly known as B.1.1.529. In early November 2021, Omicron was identified in South Africa and Botswana [4]. South African researchers were among the first to identify it as a product of employing genome sequencing to assess a frightening spike in patients. The most frightening aspect is the substantial percentage of mutations [5]. COVID-19 is the seventh CoV discovered to harm people. Before SARS-CoV-2, six other CoVs were identified to spread the disease. These groupings also include HCoV229E (229E), HCoV-OC43 (OC43), HCoV-NL63 (NL63), HCoV-HKU1 (HKU1), SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV [6]. 

It was stated at the start that omicron is far more dangerous and lethal than the preceding ones, and it rapidly spread. It has already expanded to 57 nations, including Belgium, Israel, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Denmark, as well as African countries. This variation has around 32 alterations, many of which are bothersome [7]. There isn't much understood regarding its intensity or transmissibility, and nothing can be deduced just based on sequence characteristics [8]. According to the South African scientist who discovered omicron, HIV patients may be accountable for Omicron variations [9]. The likely impact of the viral mutation is based on past strain mutations and lab test findings. The virus invades the population by attaching itself to cells and uses spike proteins to do so. 15 of the 32 variants work with the spike proteins to attach to particular antibodies as well as ACE-2 receptors (found in the nose) [10]. 

According to WHO (on 30th November 2021), It is still not completely obvious yet if infection with omicron causes more serious illnesses than with other variants. Initial data indicates that hospitalization rates in South Africa are growing, but this could be due to the rise in the overall number of people becoming infected, rather than a specific infection with omicron [11]. 

Among all SARS-CoV-2 variants, Omicron has by far the most mutations. There are 32 mutations in Spike protein, which is the key viral component that determines the virus's infectivity and antigenicity. Furthermore, 15 of 32 mutations are located right at the receptor-binding region (RBD) of Spike protein. These mutations cover almost all the key mutations of the previous VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta), including K417N, E484A, and N501Y and other known mutations which are proved to change the sensitivity of the virus to neutralization by protective antibodies [12]. This finding suggests that the monoclonal antibodies that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be less effective against the omicron variant [13]. It has been proposed that Spike's intricate mutations may allow immunity produced by past infection or vaccination to be bypassed, resulting in a large number of breakthrough infections or re-infection with mutant virus strains [14]. Omicron is a highly transmissible variation, with studies from South Africa and the United Kingdom finding doubling duration of 3.38 days (95 percent CI 3.18–3.61 days) and 2–2.5 days, respectively, with a basic reproduction number (R0) greater than 3. This feature explains its quick expansion and displacement of the dominant delta variation [15].

Before they can draw any conclusions, the scientists need additional data. GlaxoSmithKline medication manufacturers stated that COVID 19 therapies were successful against this variation and that more in vitro research is being conducted to learn more about it [16]. South African doctors are likewise optimistic that current vaccinations will be effective against omicron [17]. The booster doses, according to Pfizer, will be sufficient to protect us from the omicron variety. However, the new variety may be worse since no one knows how terrible the ailment may be in the future, necessitating the creation of a new vaccine [18].

Preliminary evidence regarding omicron shows that the median incubation time may be lower, about 2–3 days, as opposed to the original virus's 5 days. The most common symptoms described with omicron are upper respiratory, such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, tiredness (moderate to severe), sneezing, and night sweats, and are indistinguishable from a regular cold. When compared to prior variations, fever, cough, and loss of smell/taste are less prevalent. Symptoms normally persist for several days before disappearing. While this is preliminary data, studies from South Africa, England, Scotland, Denmark, and Canada have found that patients with omicron/SGTF infections have a much-decreased risk of hospitalization, severe illness, and mortality when compared to delta/non-SGTF infections. As a result, the data thus far suggests that omicron is less severe than prior SARS-CoV-2 strains. This is further confirmed by the fact that despite an increase in infections in South Africa and the United Kingdom, hospitalizations, critical care admissions, and fatalities have remained low [19].

Apart from the rising number of mutations, there is currently no conclusive proof of transmission. There can be no valid conclusion on the transmissibility of omicron variants without knowing about the global rise in genetic sequencing and other parameters such as vaccination and booster rates, population density and age distribution, and so on. All of this will take time, as well as confirmation that the cautious requirements have been met [20].

Omicron has also been found in India, originally in patients who had returned from overseas travel and now in people who had no prior travel history. In the last few days, there has been a dramatic increase in infections in Mumbai and Delhi [21]. The third wave of COVID-19 in India, powered by omicron, has arrived. India just finished 1 billion vaccination doses and achieved the ability to test around 1 million samples each day. Following the COVID19, proper behavior such as social distance, hand cleanliness, mask-wearing, and immunizations continue to be the most significant factors in viral transmission management. [22].

Because of its infectious and vaccine escape mutations, the newest severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) has sparked worldwide fear. The SARS-CoV-2 variant's critical infectivity and antibody resistance are dictated by mutations in the spike (S) protein receptor-binding region. Omicron is a highly divergent variation with a large number of mutations, including 26-32 mutations in the spike protein, some of which are linked to humoral immune escape potential and increased transmissibility. The Omicron variation is made up of four lineages: B.1.1.529, BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3. Based on the information now available, the total risk associated with Omicron continues quite significant. Omicron has a positive growth benefit over Delta, resulting in fast community expansion and greater levels of incidence than previously reported in this pandemic. Despite a lower risk of severe disease and death after infection than previous SARS-CoV-2 variants, the very high levels of transmission have resulted in increases in hospitalization, continue to place overwhelming demands on healthcare systems in most countries, and may result in significant morbidity, particularly in vulnerable populations.

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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