Coronaviruses - Volume 2, Issue 10, 2021

Hydroxychloroquine is a chloroquine derivative recognized for treating ‘SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19’, among its other uses. It is one of the key drugs used for the treatment of malaria and other respiratory diseases. The drug exhibits multiple pharmacological activities such as antimalarial, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-HIV, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. The coronavirus has recently shown five mutations or genetic change in its structure due to change in the climatic condition (i.e. R 207C (nsp 2-27) – Wuhan (China), V 378 I (nsp 2- 198) – Italy, M 2796I (nsp 4- 33) – Iran, L 3606F (nsp 6- 37)-America and V 9082F (ORF 7a- 74) – Kuwait). There are many preclinical, clinical, theoretical, and experimental evidences that support the effectiveness of HCQ and CQ on patients affected by COVID-19. Based on the evidence currently underway and future research, we will be able to provide better analysis of the role of HCQ and CQ in the COVID-19 transition. It displays several activities related to the respiratory system, and numerous studies have suggested that the compound may be beneficial in protection against diseases such as malaria and lupus erythematosus. The present review represents the role and use of HCQ in the COVID-19 disease. The object of this review study is based on the research evidence obtained from different authentic sources. It is currently used in the study of HCQ and CQ for the treatment of coronavirus and various other infections.

In December 2019, a new severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS- COV-2) had caused outbreaks of pneumonia in Wuhan city, China. It was known as coronavirus infected disease-2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 patients typically have a fever and respiratory syndrome, where the lung is the main target organ affected by this virus. The objective of this review is to monitor and evaluate injuries caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus on multiple organs other than the lung as the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, heart, ovary, ocular, olfactory, gonad, skin, central nervous system, and sense organs. As SARS- COV-2 virus enters host cells via cell receptor angiotensin circulating enzyme-2 (ACE2), so it is important to identify the main target cells attacked by SARS- COV-2 virus by comparing the ACE2 expression and viral upload in different organs. In conclusion, the definite role of body organs is explored in the manifestation of COVID-19 infection and crosstalk between other organs are useful tools to find any correlation between disease severity and organs dysfunction, exact prognosis, disease prevention measures, clinical care, and treatment strategies.

Coronaviruses are enveloped positive-stranded RNA viruses that cause mild to acute respiratory illness. Coronaviruses can merge envelope proteins with the host cell membranes and deliver their genetic material. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the seventh coronavirus closest to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in bats that infects humans. COVID-19 attacks the respiratory system and stimulates the host inflammatory responses, promotes the recruitment of immune cells, and enhances angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activities. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 have experienced fever, dry cough, headache, dyspnea, acute kidney injury (AKI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute heart injury. Several strategies such as oxygen therapy, ventilation, antibiotic or antiviral therapy, and renal replacement therapy are commonly used to decrease COVID-19-associated mortality. Inflammation is a common and important factor in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In recent years, stem cell-based therapies represent a promising therapeutic option against various diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can self-renew and differentiate into various tissues of mesodermal origin. MSCs can be derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. MSCs, with their unique immunomodulatory properties, represent a promising therapeutic alternative against diseases associated with inflammation. Several previous studies have shown that MSCs with a strong safety profile can improve the treatment of patients with COVID-19. The information in this review provides a summary of the prevention and diagnosis of COVID-19. Also, we focus on the current clinical application of MSCs for treatments of patients with COVID-19.

The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 has turned into a serious public health concern around the globe. Due to its high adaptability in every environment, this novel virus has outspread like fire compared to SARS and MERS, but the fatality rate is lower. This outbreak has caused illness to many people worldwide. Especially, people with lung problems and other chronic diseases are at high risk. Although convincing results have shown the use of chemically synthesized drugs, these drugs have various limitations. Therefore, a medicinal plant might provide a solution for the novel virus along with the recent advancement in computational methods that have paved a new path to operate complex molecules, which will ultimately result in discovering new and advanced drugs. In this review, we have summarized and analyze plant-based natural product which can be used to boost the immune system or act as a remedy for patients suffering from a novel virus. This review also focuses on the structure of COVID-19, various diagnostics tools, preventive measures, and data analysis of the novel Coronavirus of India.

The unrelenting protraction of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), inflicted by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is tending to craft havoc all over the world for the past few months. Considering the looming repercussions due to this deadly virus worldwide, there is an impending necessity to comprehend this newfangled contagion. To develop an effective eradication measure and preventive strategy, knowledge about the virus structure, life cycle, and metabolism is imperative. Better insight into the virus life cycle helps us to identify and design drugs that can hit crucial targets of this dreadful virus. The close genetic similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, which triggered an outbreak in the year 2003, could be of great strategic importance in designing effective drug formulations. This will also help in the development of leveraging immunological measures to develop an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. This eventually will help us to progress our strategies related to the virus. Not on the positive side, there is some misinformation going all around the world despite the strict regulations from the WHO and other government agencies to inform the citizens to abstain from the rumour-mongering regarding COVID-19. Further, evidence needs to be gathered on vaccine strategies to cure the patients suffering from COVID-19. This information will also help us in designing both drug inhibitors as well as prophylactic measures against SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was originated first in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and it is known to be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus- 2 (SARS CoV-2). The management of COVID-19 could be achieved by means of the usage of the repurposed drugs, inhibiting the viral entry and/or viral fusion such as umifenovir, Baricitinib, Camostat mesylate, Nafamostat mesylate, and the drugs blocking the viral replication, which include favipiravir, remdesivir, Lopinavir/ritonavir, Ribavirin, Sofosbuvir, chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine. Objective: Along with the drugs that target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, adjunctive therapies are also employed. This review focuses on the adjuvant therapies employed to manage the COVID-19-associated complications, such as cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory failure, cardiac injury, coagulopathy, and multi-organ failure. Methods: The literature was searched in databases such as Medline/PubMed Central/PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, EBSCO, Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of open access journals (DOAJ), and reference lists to identify relevant articles. Results: Various studies have been identified for the use of corticosteroids, interferons, monoclonal antibodies, etoposide, ruxolitinib, anticoagulants, convalescent plasma, immunoglobulins, mesenchymal stem cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and inhaled nitric oxide (NO) as adjuvant therapy to manage the patients with COVID-19 along with the repurposed drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: The safety and efficacy of adjuvant therapy are needed to be confirmed by various ongoing randomized controlled clinical trials.

Background: In December 2019, a large number of patients with a novel coronavirus were identified in Wuhan, China. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious and increasing the rate of mortality day by day. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020. Early diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 can restrict the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: We aim to study the currently available diagnostic methods for COVID-19. Methods: World Health Organisation portal, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention portal, Indian Council of Medical Research portal, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention portal, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, etc. were searched for obtaining data. Results: Rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the number of prospective cases. The diagnostic strategy encompasses the screening of the virus with nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) such as real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Serological testing is a diagnostic procedure used for identifying the presence of immune responses. Radiological findings in individuals with COVID-19 are characterised by multiple areas of consolidation in the chest. Rapid antigen tests are in-vitro diagnostics that have been designed to give results within 10-20 min. Conclusion: Rapid, simple, and safe diagnosis of COVID-19 has a great impact on deciding clinical and epidemiological factors. RT-PCR results often require 5 to 6 hours. Diagnosis by serological testing is not suitable but important epidemiologically. At present, the best radiological strategy remains undefined. Rapid antigen tests have limitations on sensitivity.

COVID-19, a pandemic has led the whole globe through unprecedented times and unpredictability that has adversely affected the humanity as a whole. Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome was reported in the year 2002-2004 of zoonotic origin caused by SARS-CoV-1 strain. Now recently, in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 virus has emerged and swiftly spread to the whole world, taking a heavy toll on life. Studies are being conducted worldwide to find antiviral drugs acting specifically on the virus and to develop the vaccine for the disease. The present review article summarizes the currently undergoing clinical trials of Indian Ayurvedic herbs and their role in promoting immunity. It also includes studies focused on repurposing the existing drugs and finding alternative treatment methods that can be opted for potential treatment/management of COVID-19. Last but not the least, this paper provides a background on the development of preventive vaccines and the various bioinformatic tools utilized in order to help accelerate the research on coronavirus. The manuscript gives a brief outline of all the possible strategies and therapeutics underway in India and at the global level to fight against the microscopic adversary and lead to an affordable and speedy remedy for COVID-19.

Corona viruses belong to the genus Corona virus with its high mutation rate in the Coronaviridae. In this review article, the focus is on current status of research against SARS-CoV-2, various mobile apps launched to diagnose COVID-19 infection and status of prospective therapies available against COVID-19 virus in this early stage of COVID-19 outbreak.

Background: Hand washing, also known as hand hygiene, is a simple procedure used for cleaning and cleansing hands for eliminating soil, dirt, and germs including microorganisms such are bacterial or viral particles. In the absence of water and soap, cinder can be used as an alternative method for cleaning hands. Hand hygiene is an essential part that needs to be carefully followed in the infection control protocols. With the expanding loads of Health-Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) and the increasing levels of both treatment complexity and severity of illness synchronized by multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogen infections, health care practitioners are focusing on the basic and most essential facts of disease prevention by implementing the basic and simple cleaning measures including hand hygiene measures. According to healthcare facilities, many scientific evidences support the observation that hand hygiene or handwashing if properly implemented, can decrease and eliminate the risk factors of cross-transmission infections. Methods: The data was collected using a self-administrated survey, which included 10 questions, constructed using the monkey survey website. The survey was sent by email and collected from 100 participants of different ages. Results: Our results indicated that the majority of our population under study is considered healthy, representing good educational levels. Conclusion: The majority revealed advanced knowledge and understanding about the key aspects for hand washing procedures.

Background: SARS-nCOV-2 is a variant of the known SARS coronavirus family. The mutations in viruses are very rapid and can play a crucial role in the evolution or devolution of the organism. This has a direct impact on “host jumping” and the pathogenicity of the virus. Objective: The study aims to understand the frequency of genomic variations that have occurred in the virus affecting the Indian sub-population. The impact of variations translating to proteins and its consequences affecting protein stability and interaction were studied. Methods: Phylogenetic analysis of the 140 genomes from the India region was performed, followed by SNP and Indel analysis of both CDS and non-CDS regions. This effort was followed by a prediction of mutations occurring in 8 proteins of interest and the impact on protein stability and prospective drug interactions. Results: Genomes showed variability in origin, and major branches can be mapped to the 2002 outbreak of SARS. The mutation frequency in CDS regions showed that 241 C >T, 3037 C >T, 2836 C >T, and 6312 C >A occurred in 81.5% of genomes mapping to major genes. Corresponding mutations were mapped to protein sequences. The effect of mutations occurring in spike glycoprotein, RNA dependent RNA polymerase, nsp8, nucleocapsid and 3c protease was also depicted. Conclusion: Whilst the mutations in spike glycoprotein showcased an increase in protein stability, the residues undergoing mutations were also a part of drug binding pockets for hydroxychloroquine. Mutations occurring in other proteins of interest led to a decrease in protein stability. The mutations were also a part of drug binding pockets for Favipiravir, Remdesivir and Dexamethasone. The work allows analyzing larger datasets to understand mutation patterns globally.