COVID’s new Omicron sub-lineages can dodge immunity from past infection, study says

By Tim Cocks

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Two new sublineages of the Omicron coronavirus variant can dodge antibodies from earlier an infection effectively sufficient to set off a brand new wave, however are far much less in a position to thrive within the blood of individuals vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19, South African scientists have discovered.

The scientists from a number of establishments had been analyzing Omicron’s BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages – which the World Well being Group final month added to its monitoring record. They took blood samples from 39 members beforehand contaminated by Omicron when it first confirmed up on the finish of final yr.

Fifteen had been vaccinated – eight with Pfizer’s shot; seven with J&J’s — whereas the opposite 24 weren’t.

“The vaccinated group confirmed a few 5-fold greater neutralisation capability … and needs to be higher protected,” stated the research, a pre-print of which was launched over the weekend.

Within the unvaccinated samples, there was an virtually eightfold lower in antibody manufacturing when uncovered to BA.4 and BA.5, in contrast with the unique BA.1 Omicron lineage. Blood from the vaccinated individuals confirmed a threefold lower.

South Africa could also be getting into a fifth COVID wave sooner than anticipated, officers and scientists stated on Friday, blaming a sustained rise in infections that appears to be pushed by the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants.

Solely about 30% of South Africa’s inhabitants of 60 million is totally vaccinated.

“Primarily based on neutralisation escape, BA.4 and BA.5 have potential to end in a brand new an infection wave,” the research stated.

(Modifying by Frances Kerry)