The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant exhibits altered pathogenicity, transmissibility, and fitness in the golden Syrian hamster model
S. Yuan, Z.-W. Ye, R. Liang…·J. F. W. Chan
The study compares the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and fitness of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants in golden Syrian hamsters, finding Omicron less pathogenic but more transmissible and capable of outcompeting Delta under immune pressure.