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Coronaviruses: an overview of their replication and pathogenesis
Anthony R Fehr1, Stanley Perlman
1Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|February 28, 2015
Summary
Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses causing diseases in mammals and birds. This review covers their replication, pathogenicity, and strategies for preventing and treating infections like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped, positive-sense RNA viruses with distinctive surface spikes and large genomes.
- These viruses cause diverse diseases in animals, including enteritis and respiratory infections.
- Some CoVs can cause severe, potentially lethal human respiratory illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a concise overview of coronaviruses.
- To discuss viral replication and pathogenicity.
- To review current prevention and treatment strategies for CoV infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on coronaviruses.
- Analysis of the characteristics, diseases, and outbreaks associated with CoVs.
- Discussion of therapeutic and prophylactic measures.
Main Results:
- Coronaviruses exhibit unique replication strategies and pathogenic mechanisms.
- A range of diseases are attributed to CoV infections across various species.
- Significant outbreaks, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), highlight their public health impact.
Conclusions:
- Understanding coronavirus replication and pathogenicity is crucial for disease control.
- Effective prevention and treatment strategies are essential to manage CoV outbreaks.
- Ongoing research is vital to combat emerging and re-emerging coronavirus threats.
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