An animal research study recommends that the capability of the Omicron sublineage BQ.1.1 to trigger signs is similar to or lower than that of earlier COVID-19 variations.
The research study was released by research study group G2P-Japan led by Teacher Sato Kei of the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Medical Science. The paper has yet to be officially peer-reviewed.
The report states when cells were contaminated with the BQ.1.1 alternative, their capability to ruin surrounding cells was 2.4 times greater than that of the bachelor’s degree.5 subvariant.
However while previous variations with a strong capability to ruin cells tended to be extremely pathogenic, the research study recommends the pathogenicity of BQ.1.1 might be the very same as or lower than bachelor’s degree.5.
The bachelor’s degree.5 subvariant has actually been dominant in Japan given that this summer season.
The researchers likewise compared hamsters contaminated with BQ.1.1 and bachelor’s degree.5. They discovered that modifications in the animals’ body weight, which suggests physical condition, had to do with the very same.
They likewise discovered that worths suggesting lung function did not get worse as much in hamsters with BQ.1.1 as those with bachelor’s degree.5.
Sato states although the test results might not straight use to people, it’s good news that the pathogenicity of the most recent variation has actually not increased.
However he included that due to the fact that the infection is quickly transmissible, anti-infection procedures must continue.