With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Study shows Omicron variant is four times more transmissible than Delta A study from Japan has found that the omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant is 4.2 times more transmissible in its early stage than the delta variant, currently the dominant strain globally. This affirms apprehensions about the infectiousness of the new variant. This inference is based on analysis of genome data from Gauteng province in South Africa by Hiroshi Nishiura, a professor of health and environmental sciences at Kyoto University whose area of specialization is in mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. He said, “The omicron variant transmits more, and escapes immunity built naturally and through vaccines more.” …. (Source: Bloomberg, Dec. 9, 2021)

CDC expands its Covid-19 booster recommendations to include adolescents aged 16-and-17-years

The CDC has expanded its recommendations for Covid-19 booster vaccine. Now everyone aged 16 years and older can get a booster shot after six months of the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. “Although we don’t have all the answers on the Omicron variant, initial data suggests that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen the protection against Omicron and other variants,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director CDC. At present, only the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17 years…(CDC, Dec. 9, 2021)

Study shows that coronavirus directly infects human adipose tissue

A study posted on the preprint server, bioRxiv, has suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect human adipose tissue in a possible explanation as to why the obese are more prone to develop severe Covid-19. The study found that mature adipocytes and adipose tissue macrophages are the two cellular targets of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection of adipose tissue macrophage is mostly limited to highly inflammatory macrophages, present at baseline, which are further activated following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preadipocytes, while not infected, adopt a proinflammatory phenotype…(Source: bioRxiv, Oct. 25, 2021)

Omicron detected in wastewater in Houston

The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has been detected in waste water in Houston, according to the Houston Health Department as an indication that the new variant is already prevalent in the community. Wastewater samples collected on November 29-30 showed Omicron at eight of the city’s 39 wastewater treatment plants (Source: (Houston Health Department, Dec. 6, 2021) Since then at least 9 cases have been reported in the city.

FDA grants EUA to use of monoclonal antibodies in young children

The US FDA has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab and coadministered) for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of Covid-19 in children aged 12 years and older weighing at least 40 kg. It is indicated for use only in individuals who are not currently infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and who have not recently been exposed to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2… (Source: US FDA, Dec. 8, 2021)