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This research evaluates the pathogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in rodent models to inform vaccine effectiveness.

January 21, 2022NatureOpen Access

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus causes attenuated disease in mice and hamsters

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This research evaluates the pathogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in rodent models to inform vaccine effectiveness.
Evaluated B.1.1.529 isolates in immunocompetent and hACE2-expressing mice and hamsters.
Compared infection rates, viral burden, and clinical disease severity with previous SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Utilized data from the SAVE programme of NIAID for a collaborative assessment.
B.1.1.529 caused less infection in multiple mouse strains compared to older variants, showing limited weight loss and lower viral levels.
In hamsters, lung infection and clinical symptoms were milder when infected with B.1.1.529 than with historical isolates.
Overall, both rodent models confirm that the Omicron variant results in attenuated lung disease.

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Preclinical evaluation shows that the Omicron variant causes less severe disease in rodents, suggesting potential vaccine implications.

Halfmann et al. (2022) studied this question.

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