Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Variants on COVID-19 Severity in Southern Brazil
Author Information
Author(s): Fam Bibiana S. de Oliveira, Cadore Nathan Araujo, Sbruzzi Renan, Feira Marilea Furtado, Giudicelli Giovanna Câmara, de Almeida Luiz G. P., Gerber Alexandra L., Guimarães Ana Paula de C., Vasconcelos Ana Tereza Ribeiro, Pereira Alexandre C., Pereira Lygia V., Hünemeier Tábita, Camey Suzi Alves, Vianna Fernanda S. Luiz
Primary Institution: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
Hypothesis
This study aims to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on clinical outcomes in southern Brazil.
Conclusion
The study highlights the association between SARS-CoV-2 strains and COVID-19 severity, emphasizing the need for adaptive public health strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- The hospitalized group exhibited a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension (66.0%) and obesity (42.6%).
- Patients infected with the P.1 variant had a higher incidence of pneumonia (62.5%) and ARDS (72.9%).
- Significant differences in hospitalization rates were found among patients infected with different SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
Takeaway
Different strains of the COVID-19 virus can make people sicker, and some strains are linked to more severe illness than others.
Methodology
The study involved whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from 277 patients and analyzed clinical data to assess the impact of different variants.
Limitations
The study used convenience sampling from a single hospital, which may not fully represent the broader population.
Participant Demographics
The hospitalized group had a higher proportion of males (51.9%) and a median age of 63 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 3.427–18.886
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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