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Microbes & Immunity SARS-CoV-2 complementary classification

Figure 4. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Statistically supported branches are highlighted in red. The tree was visualized
using the FigTree software.
Abbreviations: SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; VOCs: Variants of concern.

Table 3. Estimates of evolutionary divergence over sequence The recurrent emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants
pairs between SARS‑CoV‑2 VOCs has repeatedly led to heightened concern. These concerns
were amplified by media coverage with reactive health
SARS‑CoV‑2 SARS‑CoV‑2 Genetic
species 1 species 2 distance (s/s) policy shifts despite limited evidence of substantial
125
Omicron Delta 0.005 biological divergence of these variants. From Alpha
to Omicron and its subsequent sub-lineages, the actual
Omicron Beta 0.006 epidemiological impact of these variants has exhibited
Delta Beta 0.003 substantial variability. 126,127 While certain mutations have
Omicron Gamma 0.005 been associated with enhanced transmissibility, immune
Delta Gamma 0.003 evasion, or altered pathogenicity, the magnitude of these
Beta Gamma 0.002 changes is often overstated in public discussions. 114,128-130
Omicron Alpha 0.006 The assumption that every newly designated variant
Delta Alpha 0.003 introduces a profound shift in SARS-CoV-2 behavior
Beta Alpha 0.003 lacks consistent empirical validation. Most SARS-CoV-2
variants remain genetically and phenotypically constrained
Gamma Alpha 0.004
within a narrow evolutionary space, exhibiting only minor
Abbreviations: SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome incremental changes rather than the transformative
coronavirus 2; s/s: Substitutions per site; VOCs: Variants of concern.
antigenic shifts observed in viruses such as influenza A
virus. 131,132
abandoning existing surveillance efforts, a new approach
would re-anchor SARS-CoV-2 variant designation in a The classification of SARS-CoV-2 variants has
long-term phylogenetic context – improving public health dominated scientific discourse and public health decision-
communication, reducing overreaction, and aligning making, yet findings from the present study reveal
public health policy with actual risk. fundamental flaws in the system currently in use. The

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 96 doi: 10.36922/MI025190042