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Severe acute respiratory syndrome: an update
Susan M Poutanen1, Donald E Low
1Toronto Medical Laboratories and Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Microbiology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|July 9, 2004
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) research reveals ongoing animal-to-human transmission and improved control measures. New insights into pathogenesis and promising treatments/vaccines are aiding preparedness for potential SARS outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The 2002-2003 international outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was caused by the novel SARS-associated coronavirus.
- Extensive research has since been conducted on SARS, with ongoing discoveries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the most updated developments in SARS research.
- To provide insights into the ongoing understanding and management of SARS.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on SARS-associated coronavirus.
- Analysis of findings related to transmission, pathogenesis, and therapeutic/vaccine development.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests continued, undetected animal-to-human transmission of SARS-like coronaviruses.
- SARS-associated coronavirus is primarily transmitted via contact and respiratory droplets, with standard precautions being effective.
- Superspreading events are key to inefficient transmission.
- Human leukocyte antigen HLA-B*4601 may be a risk factor for severe disease, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is a cellular receptor.
- Promising treatments (interferons, antibodies, fusion inhibitors) and vaccines are under development.
Conclusions:
- Continuous discovery is enhancing the understanding of SARS.
- Improved knowledge facilitates better preparedness for the potential resurgence of SARS.
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