First Identification in Italy of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4 Harboring KSF141_del: Genomic Comparison with Omicron Sub-Variants

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202205.0018.v2
• Publication Date: 2022-05-09T06:21:37Z
• Authors: Cinzia Peronace; Rossana Tallerico; Manuela Colosimo; Marco De Fazio; Federica Pasceri; Ilenia Talotta; Giuseppina Panduri; Letizia Pintomalli; Rosaria Oteri; Valeria Calantoni; Maria Teresa Fior...; Maria Cristina Ca...; Rosita Curcio; Vincenza Dolce; Erika Cione; Pasquale Minchella
• Keywords: Infectivity; spike protein

The rapid emergence and worldwide detection of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant underscore importance robust genomic surveillance systems prompt information sharing among global public health partners. Omicron has rapidly replaced delta as a dominating because natural selection, favoring with higher infectivity more strong vaccine breakthrough ability. Also known B.1.1.529, four sub-variants, BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4. Among them, BA.1 is currently prevailing sub-variant, BA.2 found to be able alarmingly re-infect patients initially infected by BA.1. BA.3 sub-variants combination mutations especially in spike protein. Today emerging BA.4, herein described first detected Italy, harboring new mutation, specifically deletion ORF 1 ab gene, corresponding KSF141_del non-structural protein (nsp1), critical virulence factor suppress host translation. bioinformatics comparison analysis other three pointed out that was not present previously never reported until now. Therefore, we can speculate BA.4; will become “variant concern” might also break protection . On hand, show proteins are mutated BA.4 particular, seven recognized nucleocapsid (N) protein, capability five different types antigenic tests recognize it.