2023-10-03-世界卫生组织-Updated_working_definitions_and_primary_actions_for_SARS-CoV-2_variants_5页_234kb

Summary of SARS-CoV-2 Variant Definitions Update (4 October 2023)

Overview

WHO updated definitions and primary actions for SARS-CoV-2 variants on 4 October 2023. This update clarifies the classification of variants: Variants of Concern (VOCs) will be labeled with Greek letters, while Variants of Interest (VOIs) and Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs) use standard scientific nomenclatures like Nextstrain and Pango.

Variant Under Monitoring (VUM)

• Definition: A SARS-CoV-2 variant with genetic changes suspected to affect virus characteristics and growth advantage, but evidence of phenotypic or epidemiological impact is unclear.
• WHO Actions: Conduct global epidemiology review and monitor spread.
• Member State Actions: Inform WHO through designated channels and submit complete genome sequences and metadata to public databases like GISAID.

Variant of Interest (VOI)

• Definition: A SARS-CoV-2 variant with genetic changes predicted or known to affect virus characteristics (e.g., transmissibility, virulence) and shows growth advantage in multiple WHO regions.
• WHO Actions: Review global epidemiology, monitor spread; perform comparative assessments; facilitate virus isolate sharing via WHO Biohub.
• Member State Actions: Inform WHO, submit sequences; conduct field investigations and laboratory assessments; share virus isolates.

Variant of Concern (VOC)

• Definition: A variant that meets VOI criteria and undergoes WHO TAG-VE risk assessment, associated with at least one detrimental change (e.g., severe disease, impact on health systems, vaccine effectiveness reduction).
• WHO Actions: Perform comparative assessments and coordinate laboratory investigations; communicate findings; facilitate virus isolate sharing.
• Member State Actions: Submit sequences; report cases via IHR; conduct field and laboratory investigations; share isolates.