Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: From Diagnosis to Treatment Strategies

Abstract

Following the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, the world is now combating a third large-scale outbreak caused by a coronavirus, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). After the rapid spread of SARS-coronavirus (CoV)-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) from its origin in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020. From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of studies have been conducted to better understand the biology and pathogenesis of the novel coronavirus, and to aid in developing effective treatment regimens, therapeutics, and vaccines. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the rapidly evolving areas of clinical care and management of COVID-19. The emerging strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease are explored, and the development of effective vaccines is reviewed.

Keywords: COVID 19; MERS; SARS; coronavirus disease 2019; treatment strategies.

Figure 1

Schematic illustrating the transmission of SARS, MERS, and COVID‐19 coronaviruses. Pangolins have been suggested as the intermediate carriers, however, the real source is still unknown, according to WHO.^{[ 66 ]}

Figure 2

Schematic of SARS‐CoV‐2 structure.

Figure 3

COVID‐19 diagnostic tests. A) RT‐PCR test procedure. B) Comparison and benefits of RT‐LAMP and RT‐PCR. Reproduced with permission.^{[ 160 ]} Copyright 2020, MDPI C) Schematic illustration of rapid SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM‐IgG combined antibody test. Adapted with permission.^{[ 161 ]} Copyright 2020, John Wiley & Sons. D) Axial chest CT images of COVID‐19 pneumonia showing i) GGO, ii) crazy‐paving pattern, and iii) consolidation. Adapted with permission.^{[ 162 ]} Copyright 2020, Springer.