The Clinical and Laboratory Landscape of COVID-19 During the Initial Period of the Pandemic and at the Beginning of the Omicron Era

TL;DR

This study compares the clinical and immune responses of COVID-19 patients during the initial pandemic and Omicron waves, finding elevated inflammation and immune markers.

Contribution

The study identifies Omicron-specific N protein deletions and compares immune responses across pandemic waves using HRM analysis of clinical samples.

Findings

Omicron variant showed a deletion in the N protein RNA detected via HRM analysis.

Elevated inflammatory markers and IL-6 levels were observed in both pandemic waves.

Higher IgM and IgG antibody levels were detected during the Omicron wave, suggesting faster immune response.

Abstract

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) underwent significant mutations, resulting in the Omicron variant. Methods: In this study, we analyzed blood samples from 98 patients with acute coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) hospitalized during the initial SARS-CoV-2 wave and the onset of Omicron in 2021. High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis of PCR products was used to analyze RNA extracted from clinical samples collected in July and November 2021 from patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Results: HRM analysis revealed a characteristic deletion in the N protein RNA of the virus isolated in November 2021, associated with the Omicron variant. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were observed in both waves of COVID-19. Complement levels and IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected more often during the second wave. An increase in hemagglutinin-inhibiting (HI) antibodies against influenza viruses was observed in paired blood specimens from moderate to severe COVID-19 patients during both outbreaks. Conclusions: Patients admitted during both waves of COVID-19 showed a significant rise in inflammatory markers, suggesting that Omicron triggers inflammatory responses. The rapid formation of IgM and IgG in Omicron may indicate a faster immune response. Seasonal flu may negatively impact the clinical course of coronavirus infections.

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