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RESUMEN Introducción: Tras la pandemia del coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave tipo 2 (SARS-Cov-2), múltiples variantes dentro de la estructura molecular del virus se han venido presentando, las cuales pueden condicionar mayores tasas de contagio, aumento de la morbimortalidad, disminución en la efectividad de las vacunas y manejos farmacológicos. La variante Ómicron, clasificada como variante preocupante (VOC), ha demostrado hasta ahora tener mayor transmisibilidad y una respuesta diferente frente a la vacunación y los esquemas terapéuticos ya instaurados. Objetivo: Describir la variante Ómicron y su impacto sobre la transmisibilidad y mortalidad. Métodos: Revisión de la literatura, en las bases de datos PubMed y Scopus, incluyendo estudios empíricos en inglés y español. De la bibliografía obtenida se utilizaron y analizaron detalladamente 49 artículos. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos nos permiten identificar los diferentes aspectos de la variante Ómicron, desde su estructura molecular, transmisibilidad hasta su manejo actual y la efectividad de las vacunas contra la misma. Conclusiones: En la actualidad, la variante Ómicron ha constituido un desafío para el sistema de salud por su alta transmisibilidad. Sin embargo, los esfuerzos terapéuticos han demostrado un impacto en severidad y curso de la enfermedad.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Since the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2 coronavi-rus (SARS-Cov-2), multiple variants within the molecular structure of the virus have been appearing, which may lead to higher infection rates, increased morbidity, and mortality, decreased effectiveness of vaccines and pharmacological management. The Omicron variant, classified as variant of concern (VOC) has so far shown higher transmissibility and a different response to vaccination and therapeutic regimens. Objective: To describe the Omicron variant and its impact on transmissibility and mortality. Methods: Literature review in PubMed and Scopus databases, including empirical studies in English and Spanish. From the bibliography obtained, 49 articles were used and analyzed in detail. Results: The results obtained allow us to identify the different aspects of the Omicron variant, from its molecular structure, transmissibility to its current management and the effectiveness of vaccines against it. Conclusions: Currently, the Omicron variant has constituted a challenge for the health system due to its high transmissibility. However, therapeutic efforts have shown an impact on the severity and course of the disease.
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INTRODUCTION: The emergence of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic is of great world concern. Until now, their analysis has mainly focused on next-generation sequencing. However, this technique is expensive and requires sophisticated equipment, long processing times, and highly qualified technical personnel with experience in bioinformatics. To contribute to the analysis of variants of interest and variants of concern, increase the diagnostic capacity, and process samples to carry out genomic surveillance, we propose a quick and easy methodology to apply, based on Sanger sequencing of 3 gene fragments that code for protein spike. METHODS: Fifteen positive samples for SARS-CoV-2 with a cycle threshold below 25 were sequenced by Sanger and next-generation sequencing methodologies. The data obtained were analyzed on the Nextstrain and PANGO Lineages platforms. RESULTS: Both methodologies allowed the identification of the variants of interest reported by the WHO. Two samples were identified as Alpha, 3 Gamma, one Delta, 3 Mu, one Omicron, and 5 strains were close to the initial Wuhan-Hu-1 virus isolate. According to in silico analysis, key mutations can also be detected to identify and classify other variants not evaluated in the study. CONCLUSION: The different SARS-CoV-2 lineages of interest and concern are classified quickly, agilely, and reliably with the Sanger sequencing methodology.