Coronavirus variant: Omicron antibody may provide immunity against Delta variant

By far we know that omicron is a highly transmissible mutant variant that can surpass the immunity provided by natural infection and vaccination. It is potent enough to cause a third coronavirus wave across the globe, infecting more people than ever before. Now a new study suggests that the antibodies produced after being infected with this variant originated in an African nation can provide immunity against the Delta variant, which was responsible for the second wave of coronavirus across the globe.

The findings of a South African study reveal that those infected with the heavily mutated omicron variant may increase immune protection against the Delta variant. As a result, the omicron could displace the Delta variant. The study published by South African scientists this week was carried out on 15 people and has not been peer-reviewed till now. The experts believe that the finding could be significant for nations where omicron cases are rising, but the Delta variant is still widespread.

During the study, the researcher found that the antibody response of people infected with omicron led to a rise in the protection against the delta variant by fourfold two weeks after being infected with the mutant variant. Moreover, the risk of reinfection by omicron among participants increased fourteenfold. As it was a small study, which has still not been peer-reviewed, it cannot be said with certainty whether increased protection is due to omicron-induced antibodies, vaccination or immunity from a previous infection. More research is needed in this area, before drawing a clear conclusion.

One of the researchers associated with the study revealed that during the study, the results were consistent with Omicron displacing the Delta variant. Explaining the process he said that the mutant omicron variant produced elicit immunity which neutralizes Delta reducing the risk of infection from the Delta variant. The expert further pointed out that if Omicron displaces Delta and it proves to be milder than past variants then there is a possibility that the incidence of severe COVID disease would be reduced.

This finding can also help to understand the rise of Delmicon cases, an infection caused by a combination of Delta and Omicron virus in European nations. A recent report published last week pointed out that being the combination of Omicron and Delta, Delmicron could be more infectious and transmissible. However, there is no study or findings available to support the same.

Omicron is a new variant, which was detected just a month ago. So, there are still a lot of things not known about the nature of the variant. Experts around the globe are trying to understand it and study the effectiveness of the vaccine on it. Till that time, looking at the current scenario, it is better to get vaccinated and follow all COVID norms to protect yourself.