Abstract
Differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients infected with the Alpha and Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in a large region of Southern Italy were assessed. Two cohorts of positive patients were compared. The Alpha group consisted of 11,135 subjects diagnosed between 21 March and 21 April 2021, and the Delta group consisted of 499 positive subjects diagnosed between 21 July and 21 August 2021. A descriptive and statistical analysis of the demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups was performed. The proportion of patients with mild and moderate infections was significantly higher in the Delta than in the Alpha group (p < 0.001). In fully vaccinated patients, the proportion of symptomatic individuals was significantly higher in the Delta than in the Alpha group. The Delta group showed odds ratios of 3.08 (95% CI, 2.55–3.72) for symptomatic infection and 2.66 (95% CI, 1.76–3.94) for hospitalization. Improving COVID-19 vaccination rates is a priority, since infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant has a significant impact on patient outcomes. Additional targeted prevention strategies such as social distancing, the use of masks in indoor settings irrespective of vaccination status, and the use of a sanitary passport could be crucial to contain further spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Highlights
The widespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2 since the beginning of the pandemic has allowed the virus to constantly mutate, resulting in the emergence of new variants
11,634 SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects residing in the province of Bari were enrolled
Concerns have arisen regarding the ability of this variant to evade SARS-CoV-2 vaccineinduced immunity [28]
Summary
The widespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2 since the beginning of the pandemic has allowed the virus to constantly mutate, resulting in the emergence of new variants. The genetic changes that provide the virus with a selective advantage have led to the spread of several variants of concern (VOC). These variants are characterized by increased transmissibility, virulence, and/or pathogenicity [1]. VOCs are linked to decreases in the effectiveness of public health measures, including diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, and to rapid epidemiological changes [1]. Constant monitoring and rapid assessment of genetic changes are required to detect the spread of these variants [2]. Improvements in local genomic surveillance and increased levels of concern about the introduction of new variants, the amount of international travel among affected countries, and local transmission, have increased awareness of the spread of VOCs [3]
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