Covid 19: Omicron-generated antibodies 'effective' against all variants

New Delhi, January 26: The latest study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows that antibodies generated by Omicron, a Covid-19 strain, are not only effective against it, but also other variants of concern (VOCs), including Delta.

"The individuals infected with Omicron have significant immune response which could neutralise not only the Omicron, but also other VOCs, including most prevalent Delta variant," a study by the ICMR has revealed. [caption id="attachment_576464" align="aligncenter" width="750"] The immune escape potential of Omicron is a serious concern and further needs to be explored.[/caption] "This suggests that the immune response induced by Omicron could effectively neutralise the Delta variant making the re-infection with Delta less likely, thereby displacing the Delta as dominant strain. This emphasises the need for the Omicron specific vaccine strategy," it further said. Also read | Republic Day: After Centre's rejection, tableau on Netaji showcased on Kolkata's Red Road In this study, the ICMR has analysed the IgG and neutralising antibodies (NAbs) against B.1, Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron variants with the sera of individuals infected with the Omicron variant (B.1.1529 and BA.1) as currently India is facing the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICMR has said that within short span of time, the variant has shown high transmissibility and capability of evading the immune response generated against natural infection and vaccination. The immune escape potential of Omicron is a serious concern and further needs to be explored. [caption id="attachment_576466" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Immune response induced by Omicron could effectively neutralise the Delta variant, says the study.[/caption] The study, where antibodies response was assessed in those who are infected by Covid-19 variant Omicron, is pre-print not peer reviewed. It also stated: "In the present study, we have assessed the IgG and neutralizing antibody (NAb) response in breakthrough individuals vaccinated with two doses ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (n=25), breakthrough individuals vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (n=8) and unvaccinated individuals (n=6). All these individuals were infected with Omicron variant." The participants in the study were adults from foreign countries and adolescents from India. Also read | Punjab elections 2022: Congress' 2nd list out, Harcharan Singh Brar’s daughter-in-law gets ticket from Muktsar [caption id="attachment_576468" align="aligncenter" width="750"] The study, where antibodies response was assessed in those who are infected by Covid-19 variant Omicron, is pre-print not peer reviewed.[/caption] -PTC News