The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant exhibits altered pathogenicity, transmissibility, and fitness in the golden Syrian hamster model
S. Yuan, Z.-W. Ye, R. Liang, K. Tang, A. J. Zhang, G. Lu, C. P. Ong, V. K.-M. Poon, C. C.-S. Chan, B. W. Y. Mok, Z. Qin, Y. Xie, H. Sun, J. O.-L. Tsang, T. T.-T. Yuen, , J. F. W. Chan
The study compares the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and fitness of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants in golden Syrian hamsters, finding Omicron less pathogenic but more transmissible and capable of outcompeting Delta under immune pressure.
bioRxiv · Jan 12, 2022 · PreprintMicrobiology