Omicron BA.2.75 emerging in TS with treatment challenges

Hyderabad: BA.2.75 is more transmissible than the 23 subvariants of BA.2, according to the data collected in GISAID on the dominant circulating SARS-Cov 2 Omicron variant. In Telangana, every seventh case is BA.2.75 and BA.2.76, according to the data on genome sequencing.

BA 2.75 was detected in 108 of the 1,359 samples on 20 June during genome sequencing by INSAGOG, a multi-laboratory set up by the Central ministry of health and family welfare.

There are 5,000 patients in government and private hospitals in Hyderabad suffering from Covid-19 as on 17 July 2022.

The high transmissibility of BA2.75 is a concern for senior citizens and those suffering from co-morbid conditions of diabetes, hypertension, and cancers. This is because the treatment of monoclonal antibodies is reduced in this variant of Covid-19. A study published in bioRxiv preprint published on 15 July 2022 shows reduced sensitivity towards treatment.

Antibody cocktails that are used to treat patients above 65 years of age for Covid-19 are found to not respond due to the reduced sensitivity.

Researchers have evaluated 10 therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and 34 antibody cocktails against BA.2.75.

BA.2.75 spike is larger than those of BA.4/5 spike.

Dr. Kiran Madhala, the head of the department of anaesthesia at Government Medical College in Nizamabad, says, "Descendants of BA.2 of Omicron variant are presently circulating in the air and affecting the people. These are creating mild diseases for the maximum population. But senior citizens who are being given antibody cocktails require different combinations as only those will be effective. For this reason, cases which are severe require sampling to detect which BA.2 is affecting them."

Presently, antibody cocktails are given to senior citizens and people suffering from co-morbid conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension and cancers.