Challenges in the Fight Against the Covid-19 Pandemic in University Hospitals

Abstract

W e are living the most important pandemic in recent world history, caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), with a significant impact on the economy, public health, and mental health of the entire society. São Paulo is the epicenter of the epidemic in Brazil. Brazilian university hospitals-centers for professional training and qualification, as well as knowledge production-have a major role in combating this epidemic. Coronaviruses belong to a large family of viruses and, for 60 years, have been a known cause of respiratory infection in humans and animals. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as responsible for the flu syndrome and severe pulmonary complications, the COVID-19. Its origin, still uncertain, is probably related to a mutation in the coronavirus that infects bats, breaking the genetic barrier to adapt to a new species. The original site of transmission was a seafood and live animal market in the city of Wuhan, China. The first cases were linked to individuals who frequented this market. Later, the virus infected family members and, in geometrical progression, nearby provinces, expanding to several countries in all continents. 1,2 The virus is highly contagious through droplets and contact. Estimates indicate that an infected person can transmit the virus to two to four people. 1 The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), found in the lower respiratory tract of humans, has been identified as a cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and plays an important role in the pathogenesis and spread of the virus. The S-glycoprotein on the surface of the coronavirus can bind to the ACE2 receptor on the surface of cells, especially lung cells, rich in ACE2 receptors. The ribonucleic acid (RNA) of the viral genome is released inside the cell, starting the encoding of structural and accessory proteins, with subsequent release of new viruses. This process results in the release of cytokines with intense inflammatory response, leading to respiratory failure, shock, and thromboembolic phenomena related to disseminated intravascular coagulation. 3,4 Children probably develop milder and oligosymptomatic clinical presentations because the maturity and binding ability of ACE2 might be lower in this population than in adults. This is concerning from an epidemiological perspective, since children can be important reservoirs, becoming sources of infection. 4 The incubation period is, on average, five days, ranging from two to 14 days. Most adults or children infected with SARS-CoV-2 present flu syndrome (90%) with mild symptoms, but some individuals, especially older adults and those with comorbidities, such as cardiovascular or lung diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, might progress to severe conditions: respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, and death. The fatality rate is 2 to 5%. 2 Although children can acquire the infection, they usually have a good prognosis and rarely present complications. 4 No country is prepared to face the COVID-19 epidemic, which imposes substantial negative impacts on the e...

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