COVID-19: Understanding the Pandemic Emergence, Impact and Infection Prevalence Worldwide

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has showed high transmission across the continents due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) with total infected cases of around ~ 44 million people. This communicable virus that initiated from the Wuhan city of China in the month of December 2020 has now spread to 189 different countries with 1.1 million fatalities worldwide (till 28 Oct, 2020). The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak as Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January, 2020. The infection spreads mainly due to contact with infected droplets or fomites, highlighting flu like symptoms initially, which may further progress into severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, often observed in elderly patients with prehistory of other diseases. The diagnosis is based on detection of viral antigen, human antibody and viral gene (RT-PCR). Further, various other diagnostic tools including X-ray, CT-scan are used for imaging purpose, recently artificial intelligence based imaging (contactless scanning) gained popularity. Generally testing of existing drugs (repurposing) and development of new molecules are the main strategies adopted by researchers. However, as per initial findings, various drugs, monoclonal antibody and plasma therapy were found to show effectiveness against COVID-19. Further, many vaccine candidates have entered or will soon enter phase III clinical testing. This disease has further challenged the global economy. Thus, this review uniquely compares the strategies adopted by developed and developing countries worldwide including protective measures like lockdown, continuous testing, utilizing latest tools (artificial intelligence) in curbing this infection spread.

Phytosynthesized Nanoparticles Against Viral Diseases: Current Updates

“…In recent decades, several cases of viral epidemics and pandemics, notably, coronavirus disease 2019, have caused significant increases in mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. 36, 37 In addition to conventional drugs, several phytoproducts and isolated metabolites have been extensively reported for their antiviral properties against several viruses. 38 Natural bioactive compounds have a high chemical diversity and biochemical specificity; therefore, exploring natural products could be an effective strategy to develop new and potential antiviral drugs.…”

Evaluation of electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymers (E-MIPs) on disposable electrodes for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva

“…The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected millions of people around the globe [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] ]. The initial symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory diseases, but some patients can be asymptomatic [ 6 ] or presenting with milder symptoms due to the success of the vaccination programme [ 7 ].…”