Real-time estimates of the emergence and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: A modeling approach

Autor: Nicolò Gozzi, Matteo Chinazzi, Jessica T. Davis, Kunpeng Mu, Ana Pastore y Piontti, Marco Ajelli, Alessandro Vespignani, Nicola Perra
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Epidemics, Vol 49, Iss , Pp 100805- (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1755-4365
DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2024.100805
Popis: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) punctuated the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic in multiple occasions. The stages subsequent to their identification have been particularly challenging due to the hurdles associated with a prompt assessment of transmissibility and immune evasion characteristics of the newly emerged VOC. Here, we retrospectively analyze the performance of a modeling strategy developed to evaluate, in real-time, the risks posed by the Alpha and Omicron VOC soon after their emergence. Our approach utilized multi-strain, stochastic, compartmental models enriched with demographic information, age-specific contact patterns, the influence of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and the trajectory of vaccine distribution. The models’ preliminary assessment about Omicron’s transmissibility and immune evasion closely match later findings. Additionally, analyses based on data collected since our initial assessments demonstrate the retrospective accuracy of our real-time projections in capturing the emergence and subsequent dominance of the Alpha VOC in seven European countries and the Omicron VOC in South Africa. This study shows the value of relatively simple epidemic models in assessing the impact of emerging VOCs in real time, the importance of timely and accurate data, and the need for regular evaluation of these methodologies as we prepare for future global health crises.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals