Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Epsilon Variant and Hospitalization Status by Genomic Surveillance in a Single Large Health System During the 2020-2021 Winter Surge in Southern California.

Yang, Shangxin; Hemarajata, Peera; Hilt, Evann E; Price, Travis K; Garner, Omai B; Green, Nicole M

Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Epsilon variant (B.1.429/427) is more virulent, leading to more hospitalization and more severe disease requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.Methods: SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance was performed on respiratory samples from 231 unique patients, collected at a single large health system in Southern California between November 2020 and March 2021 during the winter surge.Results: The frequencies of the Epsilon variant among outpatients, hospitalized patients, and ICU patients were indifferent.Conclusions: Our study suggests that the Epsilon variant is not associated with increased hospitalization and ICU admission.

SOUTHERN California; CALIFORNIA; SARS-CoV-2

American Journal of Clinical Pathology, 2022, Vol 157, Issue 5, p649

0002-9173

Academic Journal

10.1093/ajcp/aqab203