[Coronavirus: from common cold to severe pulmonary failure]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Context:

• The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 marked the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The virus rapidly spread globally, overwhelming healthcare systems.
• SARS-CoV-2 originated from the bat coronavirus pool, with human transmission occurring via interspecies transfer.

Purpose:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding human coronaviruses, with a specific emphasis on SARS-CoV-2.
• To summarize key findings on the origin, transmission, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2.
• To review ongoing research into antiviral drugs and vaccine development for COVID-19.

Summary:

• SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, presenting with symptoms from mild respiratory issues to severe lung failure.
• Molecular diagnostics have been rapidly developed, and clinical studies on antiviral efficacy are underway.
• Vaccine development is actively being pursued through various approaches.

Impact:

• The rapid global spread and high mortality rates of COVID-19 necessitate urgent action and understanding.
• This review reflects the knowledge status as of March 21, 2020, highlighting the dynamic nature of the pandemic.
• The findings underscore the critical need for continued research and public health interventions to combat the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.