An overview of SARS-COV-2: Virology, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a causative agent of COVID-19 infections. In late December, 2019 emergence and pandemic outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus has created serious health threat globally, unlike emergence of SARS-CoV in 2002, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) in 2012. Globally, about 4,434,653 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections are reported including 302,169 deaths. Wild animals’ bat, snakes, and pangolins are potential sources of this virus, based on the sequence homology of these animals and the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 virus isolated from infected persons. Human infection occurs due to the inhalation of respiratory droplets, which mainly infects the lower respiratory tract causing a mild flu like symptoms that may extend to severe pneumonia. Currently, there are no any vaccines or antiviral drugs against this virus. Treatment of patients is based mainly on symptomatic management. The aims of the present study were to summarize the information on the origin, evolution, structure and genomes, epidemiology, molecular immunopathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Moreover, we discuss the current approaches, progress in vaccine development, and the antiviral therapies to cope with COVID-19 infection. Thus, the information and data gathered on coronavirus will be helpful in understanding all the aspects on SARS-CoV-2 virus, and helps to reduce the global health threat and economic impact.