A comprehensive overview on the transmission, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SARS‐CoV‐2

Abstract

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) is a single positive‐strand RNA virus that is responsible for the current pandemic that the world has been facing since 2019. The primary route of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 is through respiratory tract transmission. However, other transmission routes such as fecal‐oral, vertical transmission, and aerosol‐eye also exist. In addition, it has been found that the pathogenesis of this virus involves the binding of the virus's S protein to its host cell surface receptor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2, which results in the subsequent membrane fusion that is required for SARS‐CoV‐2 to replicate and complete its entire life. The clinical symptoms of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 can range from asymptomatic to severe. The most common symptoms seen include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Once these symptoms are observed, a nucleic acid test is done using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. This currently serves as the main confirmatory tool for COVID‐19. Despite the fact that no cure has been found for SARS‐CoV‐2, prevention methods such as vaccines, specific facial mask, and social distancing have proven to be quite effective. It is imperative to have a complete understanding of the transmission and pathogenesis of this virus. To effectively develop new drugs as well as diagnostic tools, more knowledge about this virus would be needed.