Increased Stability of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant over Ancestral Strain

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Aug;28(7):1515-1517. doi: 10.3201/eid2807.220428. Epub 2022 May 12.

Abstract

As of April 2022, the Omicron BA.1 variant of concern of SARS-CoV-2 was spreading quickly around the world and outcompeting other circulating strains. We examined its stability on various surfaces and found that this Omicron variant is more stable than its ancestral strain on smooth and porous surfaces.

Keywords: COVID-19; Omicron; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus disease; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; stability; variant of concern; viruses; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants