SARS-CoV-2: A comprehensive review from pathogenicity of the virus to clinical consequences

Melika Lotfi1,2, Nima Rezaei3,4,5

  • 1Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.

Insights

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a global health crisis. This review summarizes current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 characteristics, pathogenesis, and diagnostics to aid control efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a significant global health challenge.
  • High contagion rates and diverse clinical outcomes necessitate a thorough understanding of the virus.
  • Limited knowledge persists despite extensive scientific and clinical efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To consolidate and present the most recent data on SARS-CoV-2.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the virus's characteristics and pathogenesis.
  • To detail clinical manifestations and diagnostic methodologies for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific and clinical data.
  • Synthesis of information on SARS-CoV-2 properties.
  • Compilation of data on disease progression and detection.

Main Results:

  • Detailed characteristics of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
  • Overview of clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding SARS-CoV-2 characteristics, pathogenesis, and clinical aspects is crucial.
  • Effective preventive strategies require up-to-date knowledge.
  • This review serves as a consolidated resource for current information on SARS-CoV-2.

Related Concept Videos

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
1.7K
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs01:05

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
17.7K
Conjugated Proteins02:50

Conjugated Proteins

Simple proteins and protein complexes contain only amino acids. In contrast, many other proteins, called conjugated proteins, covalently bond with non-protein moieties.
Nucleoproteins are protein complexes that contain nucleic acids, categorized as deoxyribonucleoproteins (DNPs) or ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) respectively. The nucleosome is a typical example of a DNP where nuclear DNA is associated with histone proteins. The major antigen for the Covid-19 virus SARS-CoV is an RNP that is critical...
25.6K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
2.3K
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
285
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
614