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Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 using Immuno RNA-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
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Coronaviruses: An Updated Overview of Their Replication and Pathogenesis
Yuhang Wang1, Matthew Grunewald1, Stanley Perlman2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|August 25, 2020
Summary
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are RNA viruses causing diseases in mammals and birds. This review covers CoV replication, pathogenicity, and prevention strategies, including insights into SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped, positive-sense RNA viruses with distinctive surface spikes and large genomes.
- CoVs cause a spectrum of diseases in various hosts, including enteritis and respiratory infections.
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the public health significance of coronaviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a concise overview of coronaviruses.
- To discuss the replication mechanisms, pathogenicity, and disease spectrum of CoVs.
- To review current prevention and treatment strategies for CoV infections and relevant outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2.
- Synthesis of information on viral structure, replication, and pathogenesis.
- Summary of epidemiological data and clinical manifestations of CoV diseases.
Main Results:
- Coronaviruses exhibit unique replication strategies and cause significant morbidity and mortality across species.
- Previous outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, offer critical insights into the potential impact of novel CoVs.
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic underscores the urgent need for effective countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusions:
- Understanding coronavirus biology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology is crucial for managing current and future outbreaks.
- Continued research into CoV prevention and treatment is essential for global health security.
- The study emphasizes the importance of preparedness and response strategies for emerging infectious diseases.
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