SARS-CoV-2 epidemic: causes and current situation, historical lessons, and strategical therapeutic interventions

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which caused an initial outbreak in China, now has 40 strains with infections in more than 200 countries worldwide, according to scientists. To date, 4,121,777 people have become infected and 280,868 people died as a result of corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), with many patients still under critical condition. The SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically similar to SARS-like bat viruses and, thus, bats can be a key host for SARS-CoV-2. Many viruses have been transmitted to humans due to the consumption of wild birds and animals as a food source. The lack of vaccine, improper containment, and diagnostic strategies by various countries have converted COVID-19 into a global pandemic. The lockdown conditions in developing countries may produce economic crises. COVID-19 patients can suffer from mental distress, partly resulting from quarantine restrictions, and therefore, there is dire need for mental counseling. The combination of previously used broad-spectrum antibiotics, antiviral and anti-parasite agents, and interferon have reduced viral infection at higher and frequent doses. Many patients have been discharged after clinical recovery, though COVID-19 can still leave severe adverse effects on patients. The use of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) has led to recovery of 90% of COVID-19 patients in China. The current review article highlights the current situation, the major causes which have led to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as strategical interventions to control the pandemic and cure infected patients.