COVID-19 Pandemic: an Overview of epidemiology, pathogenesis, Diagnostics and Potential Vaccines and Therapeutics

Abstract

At the time of writing this review, severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected more than 2,355,853 patients and resulted in more than 164,656 deaths worldwide (as of 20 April 2020). This review highlights the preventive measures, available clinical therapies and the potential of vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 by taking into consideration the strong genetic similarities of the 2003 epidemic SARS-CoV. Recent studies are investigating the repurposing of US FDA-approved drugs as there is no available vaccine yet with many attempts under clinical evaluation. Several antivirals, antimalarials and immunomodulators that have shown activity against SARS-CoV and Middle East coronavirus respiratory syndromes are being evaluated. In particular, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir, arbidol, tocilizumab and bevacizumab have shown promising results. The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of this pandemic and where we currently stand. Graphical abstract:

COVID-19-Induced Cytokine Release Syndrome Associated with Pulmonary Vein Thromboses, Atrial Cardiomyopathy, and Arterial Intima Inflammation

“…8), several novel therapeutic approaches have been proposed, encompassing antivirals, antimalarials, and immunomodulators that have shown activity against SARS-CoV-2. 35,36 In particular, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, interferon β-1b, lopinavir-ritonavir, ribavirin, favipiravir, arbidol, tocilizumab, and bevacizumab have been investigated. 35 Mostly, however, these therapies have been evaluated in single cases or small-scale studies.…”

“…35,36 In particular, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, interferon β-1b, lopinavir-ritonavir, ribavirin, favipiravir, arbidol, tocilizumab, and bevacizumab have been investigated. 35 Mostly, however, these therapies have been evaluated in single cases or small-scale studies. Remdesivir (Gilead Science), a nucleotide analogue prodrug that inhibits viral RNA polymerases, was originally evaluated for treatment in Ebola Virus disease, but it has also shown in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2.…”

Novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of fusion broad range anti- infective protein ricin A chain mutant-pokeweed antiviral protein 1 (RTAM-PAP1) in silico

“…There are nonetheless some major essential differences in their genetic make-up that led to their very different behaviors. Indeed, SARS-CoV-2, as it is called now, appears to have a high transmissibility from person to person and antibodies that could inhibit SARS-CoV are not functional on SARS-CoV-2 2,[4][5] . Despite global efforts, we still lack an effective antiviral strategy, drug or vaccine to ght off this virus with the growing fear that SARS-COV-2 may become another endemic virus in our communities.…”

“…The S proteins interact directly with human angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE2), allowing the virus to enter the cells. The S protein is a class I fusion protein consisting of S1 and S2 domains with the receptor binding domain (RBD) located on the S1 domain 4 .…”

Hydroxychloroquine with or without macrolide and standard of care versus standard of care alone for COVID-19 cases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…During COVID-19 cases surging up, de nitive treatment for cure or prevention is not yet con rmed with a handful of evidence [1]. Due to the inadequate and uncertainty of the available therapeutic option for the cure of COVID-19, the focus is also targeted towards preventive measures for breaking the chain of transmission and even towards vaccine development simultaneously with other drug trials [2]. For quick drug development and treatment modalities; repurposing of many prior available medications is under trial.…”