Comparison of SARS-COV-2 Wuhan and Alpha variants: Clinical and laboratory highlights

INTRODUCTION: Since December 2019, after the declaration of new cases regarding novel coronavirus disease, many variants have emerged as a consequence of the viral evolution. Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants have been studied on a molecular basis, their clinical and pathologic disparities have been understood inadequately. The aim of this research was to figure out the differences between the SARS-CoV-2 Al-pha (B1.1.7) variant and the classical Wuhan groups on the clinical basis and laboratory results of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
METHODS: The study was performed retrospectively inclusive of epidemiological, laboratory data, and clinical symptoms of patients who were admitted to the emergency service between February 15 and March 15, 2021, and had positive COVID-19 PCR test results.
RESULTS: Although there was no statistically significant difference in symptoms between the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant and classical variant (Wuhan-type [WT]) groups, C-reactive protein, lymphocyte, and leukocyte counts were statistically significantly higher in the WT group, and prothrombin time, International Normalized Ratio (INR) and serum creatinine values were statistically significantly higher in the Alpha group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Studies such as ours that investigate both the clinical features and laboratory data of SARS-CoV-2 variants will close the knowledge gaps, so better decisions may be made by health policymakers. Additional studies in this area will increase the understanding of the topic.