Omicron variant: Top German immunologist estimates it may have originated from an HIV carrier

The surprisingly high number of mutations in the Omicron variant of the new coronavirus may mean that it came from an HIV patient, according to a leading German immunologist.

Carsten Watsl, general secretary of the German Society of Immunology, told the German Agency that he considered this scenario possible. He cited findings published following investigations into other cases.

The virus can reproduce for weeks in people with weakened immune systems, Watsley said.

“During this process, repeated, single mutations can occur, which may not give the virus any advantage, but sometimes they continue to multiply due to the inability of the immune system to control them,” he continued.

This could lead to additional mutations, the combination of which ultimately gives the virus an advantage, he explained.

Compared to the original form of SARS-CoV-2, which appeared in Wuhan, China, the Omicron variant has an unusually high number of changes – over 30 – only in the amino acids of the so-called spike protein.

Some of the mutations are known to be associated with higher transmissibility, however, according to Mr. Watsl, it is not clear what effect this particular combination of mutations will have.

Many HIV patients in Africa do not receive adequate treatment, which explains why their immune systems are so weak, the German immunologist said.

“To prevent the spread of variants as mutant as Omicron, it is important to identify the immunocompromised ones and isolate them until they can no longer transmit them,” he said.

“Because even if the virus mutates to an extreme degree in a human body, what is really dangerous is the transmission of the now mutated virus,” he added.

SOURCE: AMPE