"Latest COVID-19 Strain, 'Kraken', Sparks Apprehension Due to Potential Risks"
The XBB.1.5 Covid variant has emerged as a cause for concern due to its increased transmissibility and unique biological properties [1][4][5]. This Omicron sub-variant, named using a combination of alphabets and numbers known as "Pango," has surged rapidly and become the dominant strain in the US, accounting for approximately 41% of all infections by the end of December 2022 [6].
The enhanced ability of XBB.1.5 to evade immune responses and infect hosts broadly suggests it could pose a heightened risk compared to earlier strains [4]. However, vaccines specifically developed for XBB.1.5 tend to induce robust neutralizing antibody responses, including cross-protection against related strains, supporting their effectiveness in reducing disease severity and transmission [1][2][3].
The impact of XBB.1.5 on China's Covid-19 situation is uncertain, but given its transmissibility and ability to infect diverse hosts, it may complicate control efforts, particularly if prior immunity levels are insufficient and vaccine coverage or uptake is limited. The availability and deployment of effective XBB.1.5-targeted vaccines, alongside existing public health measures, could reduce severe disease and transmission risks [1][2][4].
In the US, XBB.1.5 has become the dominant strain, causing concern. In contrast, China has yet to report any domestic cases of XBB.1.5 [2]. Shanghai has discovered 3 imported cases of XBB.1.5 [7]. The WHO has reported cases of XBB.1.5 in at least 28 countries [6].
Researchers have warned that subvariants like XBB pose "major hazards" to present Covid injections [8]. However, updated vaccines for XBB.1.5 are safe and induce strong neutralizing antibodies, offering protection [1][2][3].
There have been reports of a viral post in China claiming that XBB.1.5 may cause vomiting and diarrhea, leading to anti-diarrheal medicine selling out. However, the extent of severe illness or death caused by XBB.1.5 remains limited and is still being researched.
The last Greek-named Covid variant was omicron, which emerged over a year ago. With the emergence of omicron, the WHO ran out of names and now names Covid variants using a combination of alphabets and numbers known as "Pango" [9]. XBB.1.5 is a cross between two earlier strains: BA.2.75 and BA.2.10.1 [10].
In northeastern states, the percentage of infections caused by XBB.1.5 has leapt above 70%. XBB.1.5 has a stronger affinity to ACE2, a key receptor for the virus, which improves its transmissibility [11].
The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned that China isn't providing enough genomic sequencing data [12]. This lack of data could hinder the global understanding of the spread and evolution of the XBB.1.5 variant.
In conclusion, the XBB.1.5 variant is more transmissible than earlier variants [1][4][5], with biological properties favoring broader infection and immune evasion, which may increase risks [4]. Updated vaccines for XBB.1.5 are safe and induce strong neutralizing antibodies, offering protection [1][2][3]. The variant could significantly influence China’s Covid-19 trajectory, possibly increasing cases unless countermeasures including boosters are effectively used [1][2][4].
The concerns over XBB.1.5 extend beyond its transmissibility, as it also exhibits unique properties that favor broader infection and immune evasion, potentially posing a higher risk compared to previous strains [4]. In the realm of health and wellness, the development and deployment of XBB.1.5-targeted vaccines could play a crucial role in managing medical-conditions related to this variant.
