Author:
Flechsler Jennifer,Eberle Ute,Dangel Alexandra,Hepner Sabrina,Wimmer Clara,Lutmayr Johannes,Konrad Regina,Berger Carola,Weise Laura,Sprenger Annika,Zeitler Jörg,Paravinja Natali,Angermeier Hildegard,Githure George,Schmidt Sandra,Treis Bianca,Okeyo Mercy,Liebl Bernhard,Ackermann Nikolaus,Sing Andreas,Baborka Christoph,Bengs Katja,Berger Anja,Fingerle Volker,Herrmann Lorena,Hobmaier Bernhard,Kudella Patrick,Kukula Verena,
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Five SARS-CoV-2 variants are currently considered as variants of concern (VOC). Omicron was declared a VOC at the end of November 2021. Based on different diagnostic methods, the occurrence of Omicron was reported by 52 countries worldwide on December 7 2021. First notified by South Africa with alarming reports on increasing infection rates, this new variant was soon suspected to replace the currently pre-dominating Delta variant leading to further infection waves worldwide.
Methods
Using VOC PCR screening and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis of selected samples, we investigated the circulation of Omicron in the German federal state Bavaria. For this, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data from our laboratory generated from calendar week (CW) 01 to 49/2021.
Results
So far, we have detected 69 Omicron cases in our laboratory from CW 47–49/2021 using RT-qPCR followed by melting curve analysis. The first 16 cases were analyzed by NGS and all were confirmed as Omicron.
Conclusion
Our data strongly support no circulation of the new Omicron variant before CW 47/2021.
Funder
Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz
Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit (LGL)
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Microbiology (medical),General Medicine