Coronaviruses - Volume 2, Issue 5, 2021

The ongoing pandemic of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has created a major challenge for the public health worldwide. The reported cases indicate that the outbreak is more widespread than initially assumed. Around 18 million people have been infected with 689,000 reported deaths (August 2020; the number is increasing daily); with a high mutation rate, this virus poses an even more serious threat worldwide. The actual source of COVID-19 is still unclear; even if the initial reports link it to the Chinese seafood wet market in Wuhan, other animals such as birds, snakes, and many small mammals including bats are also linked with this novel coronavirus. The structure of the COVID-19 shows distinctive proteins among which spike proteins have a pivotal role in host cell attachment and virus-cell membrane fusion in order to facilitate virus infection. Currently, no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine is available. Various drug candidates, including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV protease inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, RNA synthesis inhibitors, ACE2 inhibitors and lungs supportive therapy, are under trials. Cell-based therapy also appeared with remarkable treatment possibilities. In this article, we endeavored to succinctly cover the current and available treatment options, including pharmaceuticals, cell-based therapy, and traditional medicine. We also focused on the extent of damages by this novel coronavirus in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh; the strategies adopted and the research activities initiated so far by these densely populated countries (neighboring China) are explained in this review.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered a worldwide unprecedented public health crisis. Initially, COVID-19 was considered a disease of the respiratory system, as fever and at least one respiratory symptom was used to identify a suspected COVID-19 case. But there are now numerous reports of COVID-19 patients presenting with myriads of extrapulmonary symptoms, however, a substantial number of patients are asymptomatic. Additionally, there are significant clinical and epidemiological variations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection across different geographical locations. The updated research, thus, challenges the existing surveillance system that is mainly based on fever and respiratory symptoms. As countries are coming out of lockdown to save economic fallout, a revised surveillance strategy is required to effectively identify and isolate the infected patients. Besides, since developing countries are becoming the new epicenters of pandemic and there are limited resources for RT-PCR based tests, documenting the clinical spectrum can play a vital role in the syndromic clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. A plethora of atypical symptoms also aids in guiding better treatment and remains as a source for further research. It is, therefore, crucial to understand the common and uncommon clinical manifestations of SARS-COV-2 infection and its variability across different geographic regions.

In Wuhan, China, a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported and caused coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The coronavirus infection is pathogenic and highly transmittable and spread quickly around the world by the human to human contact. Through genomic analysis, it has been revealed that the primary reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 is bats due to having severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) viruses phylogenetically. The viral infection is rapidly transmitted by the human to human contact, but the intermediate source of their origin and transfer is not known. To date, any clinically approved vaccine or antiviral drug has not been prepared against COVID-19. However, researchers and scientists have evaluated some broad-spectrum antiviral drugs against COVID-19 through clinical trials and they have found satisfactory clinical recovery. This review summarizes the comparative analysis of the emergence and pathogenicity of COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This review is also focused on the development of effective vaccines or antidrug and also provides details related to an approach to practice therapeutic combinations to fight against this viral outbreak.

Background: Many observations denote that we should deal with COVID-19 as a systemic disease. Methods: In the following report, we briefly discuss observations denoting “the systemic” nature of COVID-19. Results: COVID-19 virology, the roles of ACE-2 receptor in COVID-19 pathogenesis, immunological aspects of the disease, endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy, and autopsy studies denote the systemic nature of COVID-19. Conclusion: Thinking of COVID-19 as a systemic disease, we will implement our ways of understanding and hence dealing with that disease. The most important public health solution is an effective vaccine for the broad population remaining at risk. As patients with COVID-19 present a broad spectrum of clinical presentation and distinct phenotypes, different strategies of management should be customized to the specific individual phenotypes. Further researches are highly needed to clarify the concept of “Is COVID-19 a systemic disease?”. Until that time, we think that clinicians should deal with COVID-19 as a systemic disease.

The world has been pushed to the edge of a precipice commonly been addressed to as Coronavirus S (SARS-CoV2), one of the world’s most widespread viral pandemic in recent times. Many studies are underway and investigating the new role of existing drugs, exploring the safety and efficacy of recently developed vaccines, after getting detailed insights into the behavioural characteristics of SARS-CoV2. Presently supportive and symptomatic treatment, along with practices like disease surveillance, contact tracing, and early diagnosis may help control the future of COVID-19 outbreaks. An effort has been made to compile the information about coronavirus; its clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, preventive aspects, and therapeutic options as a review.

Introduction: With the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China in December, 2019, presently over 200 countries have been facing gruesome health effects of the deadly virus, with cases and casualties on the rise. So far, no concrete medicinal drug or vaccine has been developed to check the lethal viral infection, henceforth authorities have emphasized on practicing social distancing and imposed strict lockdowns forcing people to confine in their homes. Material and Methods: This review was aimed to analyze the effects on mental health and well being during the pandemic. The studies cited in the review were sourced from journals, books and digital media reports. The research papers indexed in databases such as PUBMED, SCOPUS, INDEX COPERNICUS, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ABSTRACTS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, DOAJ and THOMSON REUTERS were reviewed and have been included in the review. Results: The coronavirus mayhem has not only posed a threat to human health, but also jolted different aspects of society, including mental and psychological health. Loss of freedom, boredom, fear and angst are some of the mild psychological effects, whereas a rise in domestic violence and suicidal tendencies is the more serious consequence reported from different parts of the world during the lockdown period. Conclusion: This article is a comprehensive analysis of the effects on mental and psychological well being during this critical time. Strategic measures to be adopted by individuals and administration to cope up with the situation are also suggested as it should be an immediate priority to address the overall distress caused by the pandemic in public.

SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, has caused the pneumonia outbreak in the entire world and every day, the number of cases is increasing in an exponential manner. Unfortunately, there is no clinically approved drug or vaccine specific for SARS-CoV-2 to date, and analysis of the current rate of spread of infection suggests that there is no time to wait for the approval of drugs and vaccine production. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 has shown that it is very much similar to SARS/SARS-like coronaviruses and belongs to the betacoronavirus genera and bats are likely to be the native host of the SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the SARS-CoV-2 S protein and SARS-CoV S protein shared an almost identical 3-D structure in the RBD domain and the SARS-CoV-2 S protein was found to have a significant binding affinity to human ACE2. Further, RdRp and 3CLpro protease of SARSCoV- 2 share over 95% of sequence similarity with those of SARS-CoV. Recently, various molecular docking studies have been carried out to search for natural compounds that can target S protein, RdRp, 3CLpro, and nsp proteins of SARS-CoV-2. This review is an attempt to give a comprehensive idea of the different natural products that can be used to target SARS-CoV-2. However, further research is necessary to investigate the potential uses of these predicted SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronaviruses, belonging to the family Coronaviridae, have caused a massive pandemic in December 2019 after their previous outbreaks as SARS-CoV and MERS. The outbreak is believed to have originated from the seafood and live market in the Hubei province of China. The Rhinolophus species are the natural hosts of this virus. This virus caused pneumonia and took away many lives before it was recognized as the novel Coronavirus. Very little information is available about the biology and nature of the novel Coronavirus. This article reviews multiple aspects encompassing its origin, epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, and the global statistics of spread. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the key symptom of this condition. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) helps in the penetration of the virus into the target cells. Deeper research and understanding are essential for the identification of antibodies that inhibit ACE2 and can prevent viral replication. Drug design and control of disease are crucial. In countries like India, where plant diversity is extensive, it is prudent to focus on plant-based alternative drugs. Many attempts have been made to review and curate the drug discovery attempts using immuno-informatic and bioinformatic tools.

Background: Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has sent billions of people into lockdown. It has a negative impact on daily life, physical and mental health. Never before was seen such a type of pandemic sparked by a coronavirus. It increased anxiety in the community. Impacts of this disruption affect every sector such as health, finance, education, transport, agriculture, and economical growth of countries. Most of the countries experience insecurity in these sectors. Objective: To reduce the spread of the novel Coronavirus-2019 and to bridge the knowledge gap of the research community, frontline health workers as well as those persons who are working in this regard to improve critical health challenges so that the community can plan effective prevention. In the present mini-review, we summarized the origin, route of transmission, current therapies of treatment, preventions, viability and real facts of fatal disease novel Coronavirus-2019 (2019-nCoV). Result: Achieving division of a large population into small-small groups and take RT-PCR tests on a very large scale. It will help to identify and isolate an accurate infected person. Isolation of infected cases and quarantine reduce the transmissibility of COVID-19. Conclusion: Knowledge about real-time evolution and transmission of the emerging pathogens helps to prevent its infection at all stages. To improve understanding of the risk, mechanism, and treatment in response to COVID-19 is required encouraging case studies, effective treatment therapies, drug discovery and developments. Make awareness in society about sanitation and avoid close contact to escape COVID-19 infection are the best ways of protection.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening viral infection caused by a positive-strand RNA virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family called severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus has infected millions of peoples and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world. Unfortunately, to date, there is no specific cure for SARS-CoV-2 infection, although researchers are working tirelessly to come up with a drug against this virus. Recently, the main viral protease has been discovered and is regarded as an appropriate target for antiviral agents in the search for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its role in polyproteins processing coronavirus replication. Materials and Methods: This investigation (an in silico study) explores the effectiveness of 16 natural compounds from a literature survey against the protease of SARS-CoV-2 in an attempt to identify a promising antiviral agent through a molecular docking study. Results: Among the 16 compounds studied, apigenin, alpha-hederin, and asiatic acid exhibited significant docking performance and interacted with several amino acid residues of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: In summary, apigenin, alpha-hederin, and asiatic acid protease inhibitors may be effective potential antiviral agents against the main viral protease (Mpro) to combat SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Coronavirus belongs to the phylum Incertaesedis, Nidovirales order, Orthocononaviridae subfamily. and spring up from the family of viruses that can cause the common cold, fever, shortness of breath, aches, chills, loss of smell, etc. Objective: As we all know; coronavirus has affected the whole world, and many patients died due to it. As the prevalence of this disease has risen, many myths have also originated like the effect of temperature on the virus; is this virus surely killed by the effect of temperature? Is the effect of this virus is more on the old age patients? In the presented compilation, we have tried to exposé the actual reality behind these myths and also tried to find the morphological alteration of coronavirus from the other viruses. Methods: The recent updates on this virus have been obtained from search engines like Pub med and Google scholar, by using COVID-19, coronavirus, Pandemic corona keywords. Results: After a huge search on the temperature effect on this disease, it was evident that there is no effect of temperature on the coronavirus. Due to the immunity factor, it showed its worst effect on old age people in many countries. Conclusion: The structure, symptoms and incubation period of coronavirus have been described in this review article. We have summarized how the coronavirus is different from others, and the effects of temperature and old age have also been discussed.