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Coronavirus - A Crippling Affliction to Humans
1Department of Basic Sciences, College of Forestry, Dr. YSP University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh -173230, India.
Abstract:
Coronaviruses hold idiosyncratic morphological features and functionality. The members of this group have a remarkable capability of infecting both animals and humans. Inimitably, the replication of the RNA genome continues through the set of viral mRNA molecules. Coronaviruses received least attention until 2003 since they caused only minor respiratory tract illnesses. However, this changed exclusively with the introduction of zoonotic SARS-CoV in 2003. In 2012, MERS-CoV emerged and confirmed this group of viruses as the major causative agents of severe respiratory tract illness. Today, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (i.e., COVID-19) has turned out to be a chief health problem that causes a severe acute respiratory disorder in humans. Since the first identification of COVID-19 in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, this infection has devastatingly spread all around the globe leading to a crippling affliction for humans. The strain is known as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and WHO (the World Health Organization) has termed this new pandemic disease as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 is still spreading, with an estimated 136 million confirmed cases and more than 2.94 million deaths worldwide so far. In the current scenario, there is no particular treatment for COVID-19; however, remarkable efforts for immunization and vaccine development can be observed. Therefore, the execution of precautions and proper preventive measures are indispensable to minimize and control the community transmission of the virus. This review summarizes information related to the pathophysiology, transmission, symptoms, the host defense mechanism plus immunization and vaccine development against COVID-19 including the patents filed.
Insights
Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19, infect humans and animals. This review covers COVID-19 pathophysiology, transmission, symptoms, host defenses, and vaccine development, emphasizing preventive measures.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Coronaviruses, previously causing minor illnesses, gained prominence with SARS-CoV (2003) and MERS-CoV (2012).
- The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 led to the COVID-19 pandemic, a major global health crisis.
- COVID-19 causes severe acute respiratory illness, with millions of cases and deaths worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on COVID-19.
- To review the pathophysiology, transmission, and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To discuss host defense mechanisms, immunization strategies, and vaccine development for COVID-19, including filed patents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on coronaviruses and COVID-19.
- Analysis of information regarding viral characteristics, disease progression, and epidemiological trends.
- Examination of research on immune responses and advancements in vaccine technology.
Main Results:
- Coronaviruses exhibit unique features and infect both animal and human hosts.
- SARS-CoV-2 has caused a devastating global pandemic, necessitating urgent public health interventions.
- While no specific treatment exists, significant progress in vaccine development and immunization is underway.
Conclusions:
- Preventive measures and public health precautions are crucial for controlling COVID-19 transmission.
- Ongoing research and development in vaccines and treatments are vital for managing the pandemic.
- Understanding host defense mechanisms is key to developing effective countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2.
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