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. 2020 May;55(5):105955.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105955. Epub 2020 Mar 28.

The epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19

Pan Zhai  1 , Yanbing Ding  1 , Xia Wu  2 , Junke Long  3 , Yanjun Zhong  4 , Yiming Li  5
Affiliations

The epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19

Pan Zhai et al. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2020 May.

Abstract

In December 2019, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China spread worldwide, becoming an emergency of major international concern. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes clusters of severe respiratory illness similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Human-to-human transmission via droplets, contaminated hands or surfaces has been described, with incubation times of 2-14 days. Early diagnosis, quarantine, and supportive treatments are essential to cure patients. This paper reviews the literature on all available information about the epidemiology, diagnosis, isolation and treatments of COVID-19. Treatments, including antiviral agents, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, antibodies, convalescent plasma transfusion and vaccines, are discussed in this article. In addition, registered trials investigating treatment options for COVID-19 infection are listed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Clinical trials; Diagnosis; Isolation; Pandemic; Remdesivir.

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