The Outcome of BA.5 Omicron in Transplant Cases: A Retrospective Single-center Study in Jeddah Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction: The global incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased significantly due to the Omicron wave. The interaction between host factors, including immune status and vaccination history, along with the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant, collectively influences clinical outcomes following exposure to COVID-19. Material and Methods: This retrospective study examined patients infected with COVID-19 during the Omicron BA.5 wave at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 25 patients were included in the study, comprising 12 (48%) males and 13 (52%) females. Despite most patients having multiple underlying chronic medical conditions and a mean age of 48 years, 13 (52%) were isolated at home. Three (12%) patients were asymptomatic, 17 (68%) experienced mild symptoms, 1 (4%) developed pneumonia not requiring oxygen, 2 (8%) required low-flow oxygen, and 2 (8%) required invasive ventilation. A total of 22 (88%) patients had received COVID-19 vaccinations, with 6 (24%) receiving 2 doses, 13 (52%) receiving 3 doses, and 3 (12%) receiving 4 doses. Mortality was reported in 2 (8%) patients; however, no deaths were observed among renal transplant recipient infected with the BA.5 variant. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients who underwent renal transplantation and were infected with the Omicron BA.5 variant experienced lower mortality rates and shorter ICU stays compared to those infected with the Omicron BA.1 or BA.2 variant. This outcome may be attributed to the higher proportion of patients who had received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.