Publications

The novel SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for causing the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease19 (COVID-19), a systemic infection in humans. Ever since it was first detected in December 2019, thenumber of confirmed cases has continued to increase. Within a short period, this disease has become aglobal issue, and therefore it is characterized as a pandemic. The current understanding and explanationsare based on epidemiological, clinical and physiological observations. Besides, it remains a great challenge,as much remains to be understood about this new disease-causing virus. Therefore, we seek to providean overview of SARS-CoV-2, including its classification, origin, genomic structure, replication cycle,transmission, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatments, prevention and vaccine options. Weconducted a literature search for the articles published up to August 2020 using the keywords ‘SARCoV-2’ and ‘COVID19’ in medical databases; PubMed, google scholar, EMBASE, and web of science.Based on the information collected, the emerging COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, exhibits stronginfectivity but less virulence in terms of severity of disease and mortality rates in certain age groups. Itinflicts more damage in terms of peoples’ health and well-being, social life, and global economic impacts.Unfortunately, there is no adequate global and standard response to this pandemic to date, and eachcountry is facing a crisis based on its situation, expertise, and hypotheses. While there is no effectivetherapy and vaccine against the novel SARS-CoV-2 yet, preventive measures are the only tool available toour disposal to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing and future research is focusedmore on developing standard treatment strategies, and efficacious vaccines, which would be useful totackle this pandemic globally.