Expansion of L452R-Positive SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant,Northern Lombardy,Italy |
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| Authors: | Federica Novazzi Andreina Baj Angelo Genoni Daniele Focosi Fabrizio Maggi |
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| Affiliation: | Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale, Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy (F. Novazzi, A. Baj, A. Genoni, F. Maggi);University of Insubria, Varese (F. Novazzi, A. Baj, A. Genoni, F. Maggi);Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy (D. Focosi). |
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| Abstract: | We report 25 cases of infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant containing spike protein L452R mutation in northern Lombardy, Italy. Prevalence of this variant was >30% in this region, compared with <0.5% worldwide. Many laboratories are using previously developed L452R-specific PCRs to discriminate Omicron from Delta mutations, but these tests may be unreliable. |
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| Keywords: | COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections viruses Italy coronavirus disease zoonoses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 |
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