Researchers searching for omicron variant in North Carolina
Scientists in the Triangle are racing to detect the Omicron variant, with many of them believing it may already be here. They just need the data to prove it.
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As physicians who treat patients with COVID-19 prepare inside hospitals for whatever omicron may bring, researchers are studying positive tests for Omicron.
They say the faster we know it's here, the better able we'll be to deal with it.
"Everyone is looking for the next great variant," said Miller. "So by the end of the week we will know at least through the 27th if we have any omicron or not."
How searching for the Omicron variant works
Once Miller receives a positive test, she studies it, looking for what's known as an 'S-Drop Out." This means the virus' spike protein is so mutated it can't be detected. That mutation indicates it could be the omicron variant.
Like all viruses, COVID mutates. However, the Omicron variant has Dr. David Montefiori and his team at Duke concerned because the number of mutations can make it more transmissible. Doctors are questioning whether or not the current COVID vaccines can fight the latest variant.
"We’ve seen at least three cycles of this virus," said Montefiori.
Monoclonal antibody drugs may need to be updated in case the new variant spreads aggressively.
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