1,2Ebede, S. O., 1,2Emeribe, S. C., 1,2Nwafia, I. N., 1,2Okeke, U. C., and *1,2Orabueze, I. N.
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
2Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria*
Correspondence to: Iborabueze@gmail.com; ORCID: 0009-0005-8369-1568
Abstract:
The newly emerged SARS- CoV-2 XEC subvariant (XEC) is a global public health concern. Since its first detection in May 2024, it has spread rapidly to involve more than 45 countries globally. The World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated XEC a variant under monitoring (VUM), highlighting its global concern. XEC sub-variant is a descendant of the omicron lineage and a recombinant product of K.S.1.1 and KP3.3. Increased infectivity, enhanced immune evasion, and immune resistance, have been linked to specific spike protein mutations, S: F59S and S: T22N, alongside Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 3 (APOBEC3)-driven mutations that facilitate immune escape and viral survival. Like its predecessor, the novel SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant exhibits flu-like symptoms. However, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness than previously circulating Omicron variants. Nevertheless, the high reproduction number (Re) of the XEC variant suggests a higher chance of out competing the other major lineages. Wastewater surveillance has shown that XEC variant circulation is approximately 2 to 19 times higher than the number of cases that have been identified. This suggests that underreporting, decreased testing and declining genomic surveillance in many countries may be masking the true epidemiological burden of XEC. Mitigation strategies must prioritize mass vaccination campaigns, incorporating updated 2024-2025 vaccines and infection prevention and control measures. Sadly, vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge to the achievement of herd immunity. To address this, targeted public enlightenment campaigns are essential. Additionally, proactive and collaborative global efforts are necessary to curb the spread of emerging variants like XEC. Strengthened IPC practices, and sustained genomic surveillance will be critical in averting future waves and mitigating public health impacts. This review serves to provide insight into the XEC variant and call for action to prevent another looming pandemic. Continue reading “A mini-review of the global implications of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant: Epidemiology, mutations, and mitigation strategies”