The evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Pango lineage B.1.1.529

On November 24, 2021, the WHO reported the B.1.1.529 pangolinage of SARS-CoV-2 for the first time. In South Africa, there were 3 reported peaks of COVID-19 cases, one of the reported variants was the Delta variant, subsequently there was an increase in infections, which coincided with the detection of the B.1.1.529 pangolinage. The omicron variant of this B.1.1.529 pangolinage has numerous mutations, some of which are considered of concern. Initial tests indicate a higher risk of reinfection by this variant than by others. Tests to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 are by PCR and sequencing, by detecting the S protein gene, one of the 3 target genes for the virus. Using this molecular technique, the B.1.1.529 variant has been detected more frequently than with other outbreaks, indicating that it probably has a greater growth. The omicron variant of the pango lineage B.1.1.529 presented changes that affected the epidemiology of COVID-19, which is why the technical advisory group on the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus recommended to the WHO that it be designated as a variant of concern. The WHO named it omicron and designated it as a variant of concern. WHO instructions to countries: Maintain surveillance and sequencing to better understand the SARS-CoV-2 variants that are circulating. Sending the complete genome sequences and related metadata to a publicly available database, such as GISAD.