SARS-CoV-2, the other face to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV: Future predictions

Abstract

COVID-19 outbreak is proving to be an unprecedented disaster that lays its dark shadow on global health, economics and personal freedom. SARS and MERS epidemics provide scientific data that is useful in better understanding and resolution of COVID 19. Similarities among SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 have been investigated in the light of available data. SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 evolved in bats and have positive-sense RNA genomes of 27.9 kb, 30.1 kb and 29.9 kb, respectively. Molecular and serological tools used for diagnosis of SARS and MERS patients resemble COVID-19 diagnostic tools. Stability and longevity data of SARS and MERS epidemics contribute in the current pandemic precaution policies. Trials to produce vaccines for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV failed, therefore the current review predict that trials for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine production if achieved, will be require more time not only for vaccine production but also to be available for patients, during this time antiviral agents, Convalescent plasma and monoclonal antibodies provide potential tratments for sever patients. The mortality rate caused by the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV reached 15% and 37%, respectively. The first declarations about mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 was around 2–4% but now this rate differs globally and reached more than 13% in some countries. A realistic COVID-19 outbreak scenario suggest that the pandemic might last for three years with fluctuation in the number of infected cases, unless a vaccine or antiviral drug is to be discovered.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Health Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation Strategies

“…Approximately six epitopes (CVADYSVLY, RISNCVADY, RSFIEDLLF, MTSCCSCLK, VLKGVKLHY, and RVDFCGKGY) match with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS S protein [39]. Variations in the S protein amino acid residues and the distinctive biological features of the SARS-CoV-2 can be a basis for an infection less severe than the MERS infection [40]. However, unlike MERS, the SARS-CoV-2 virus successfully caused a global pandemic crisis because of its higher transmissibility [39].…”

Level up for culture models - How 3D cell culture models benefit SARS-CoV-2 research

“…The COVID-19 pandemic that currently keeps the world on tenterhooks is caused by SARS-CoV-2, whose closest relative is SARS-CoV with nearly 80% of genetic similarity. Hence, Abdelghany et al suggest to draw further knowledge from the closest relatives of the virus, in order to predict the evolution of the ongoing crisis [ 58 ]. Although written still under the premise of no available vaccine against the virus, the authors list several compelling points of similarity between the three strains, such as their zoonotic origins, molecular features, clinical symptoms, and treatment options, leading them to forecast a three-year duration for the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Evaluation of the virucidal efficacy of Klaran UVC LEDs against surface-dried norovirus

“…To compound the problem, only a limited number of disinfectants are effective against HuNoV has at present [7]. Unlike with other viral pathogens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [8], vaccine design and production efforts against HuNoV have not been successful. Study of HuNoV has further been hindered by the inability to propagate it in cell cultures [9].…”