Introduction:
The Kraken variant of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a new, rapidly spreading virus causing COVID (Coronavirus disease). This means there could be a rise in new infections soon. And while it likely would not hamper immunity completely, the variant could dodge some of the body’s defense mechanisms due to its mutations. Studies and data show that about 30 percent of COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) cases worldwide are due to XBB.1.5 (a variant of two non-similar Omicron viruses), which makes the variant highly transmissible.
What Is the Kraken Variant?
The XBB1.5 variant also called the Kraken variant, is a subvariant of the Omicron variant. It has recently gained the attention of researchers, scientists, and virologists due to its potential to spread rapidly. Research shows that the Kraken variant has a multiplication rate of 1.6, meaning every person infected with this variant can potentially infect about 1.6 people on average. The Kraken variant of Omicron has dozens of mutations and is very different from the BA.5 variant; it is still a form of Omicron and not a completely new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 variant.
What Is the Difference Between XBB.1.5 and Other Variants?
The XBB.1.5 variant is very similar to the XBB, which was dominant in recent years. The XBB variant had the potential to evade the immune system using mutation at a site on its spike protein (486). The XBB.1.5 variant differs from the XBB variant in a spike protein mutation called F486P. Due to this mutation difference, the XBB.1.5 (Kraken) variant has the potential and advantage to spread more rapidly (increased transmissibility) than the XBB variant. The mutation allows easy attachment of the virus to latch onto the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptors and easy entry into the body cells via the nose, throat, and lungs.
What Is the Origin of the Kraken Variant?
The XBB variant is known to have appeared from the combination of the two Omicron variants due to the exchange of genetic materials. The World Health Organization currently names COVID-19 variants. It uses the Greek alphabet to identify the variants of concern with potential global public health significance, such as reducing the effectiveness of current pandemic measures.
Omicron was a Greek-named variant that emerged more than a year ago, and there was no expectation of the emergence of other variants and different strains. Omicron has spawned different variants due to its mutations, including XBB.1.5, and their names stem from a mix of alphabets and numbers. That has increased the popularity of informal online alternative names, including “Kraken.”
Why Is the Variant So Transmissible?
Researchers believe the following reasons to be the reasons for the XBB.1.5 variant to be more transmissible–
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It is more transmissible than other variants due to its rapid spreading ability.
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XBB.1.5’s spike protein mutation with its already very transmissible parent variant (XBB variant of Omicron).
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Ability to invade the human immune system.
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Mutation and resistance to antibodies.
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Resistance to the effectiveness of the vaccines.
Is It More Dangerous Than the Previous Variants?
Studies show there are not many differences in the severity of the symptoms caused by XBB.1.5 variants and other previous Omicron variants. This means the symptoms are quite similar to the ones caused by other Omicron variants ranging from flu-like symptoms, cold symptoms, cough, shortness of breath, and low oxygen levels, which may or may not require emergency medical attention. However, it has been gaining more attention recently due to its potential to be highly transmissible and exhibit signs of immunity escape (ability to invade natural immunity).
The XBB 1.5 (Kraken) variant can invade natural immunity, bypass the previous vaccine protection, and possibly reinfect people with a history of COVID-19 infections. Though scientists do warn against the sub-variants of XBB and call them serious threats, the World Health Organization calls variants of XBB as “most antibody-resistant variants” to date. However, medical professionals and researchers have yet to discover and find more information on its potential to be more dangerous than previous variants in causing severe diseases or even death.
What Are the Symptoms of XBB.1.5?
The XBB 1.5 variant may cause mild symptoms similar to a cold or flu, including a runny nose, mild cough, sore throat, and possibly a loss of taste or smell. Other potential symptoms to monitor for include fever, body chills, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms can vary, and individuals should get tested if they feel sick, as symptoms may overlap with other illnesses like the flu. Recovery typically takes about five to 10 days, but vaccination status can impact the severity of symptoms and risk of complications.
Are Current Vaccines Effective Against the Kraken Variant?
Though there is insufficient data and information on the effectiveness of the current vaccines against the XBB.1.5 variant, the vaccines are still effective in maintaining immunity, especially with the bivalent booster vaccines. It reduces the severity of life-threatening forms of COVID-19 and other variants.
Will the COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Still Offer Protection From XBB.1.5?
The COVID-19 bivalent vaccine still offers some protection against the XBB.1.5 variant. While this variant may partially evade antibody responses, the vaccine can still generate T-cell responses that protect against severe disease. However, antibody levels against XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 decline over time after vaccination, which may reduce the vaccine's effectiveness against this specific variant.
What Are the Protective Measures Needed?
The following are some measures that need to be taken to prevent the variant from spreading–
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Look out for the symptoms and severity of the condition.
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Identify the circulating variants.
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It is important to remain calm.
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Adopt immunity-boosting mechanisms.
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Follow the basic preventive measures needed to prevent the spread of the virus.
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Booster doses for people at a higher risk, for example, people above 60 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions can be administered.
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One must consider receiving a second booster dose with updated bivalent vaccines.
Conclusion:
Some researchers believe that all variants of omicron rarely lead to severe diseases as they are less likely to cause severe lower respiratory tract diseases. Though omicron variants are highly transmissible, the XBB.1.5 variant is the most rapidly spreading variant; hence, it is possible to see an increase in cases. Researchers also conclude that the bivalent booster vaccines are more effective and important for protection against these variants. Antiviral medications (Paxlovid and Remdesivir) are effective against the XBB.1.5 variant and will provide protection against XBB.1.5 variants.
