Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Lincoln University College, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Undergraduate Student, School of Biotechnology, Manipal International University (MIU), 71800, Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: The year 2020 began with a new public health hazard. A novel coronavirus, acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered in Wuhan, China on 12th December 2019. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the name of the disease as ‘COVID-19’.
Objective: The morphology, pathogenic mechanisms, causes, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, therapeutic potential, clinical studies on COVID-19 infection, preventive measures, and mental health care were described in this study.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Frontiers, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The search was broadly scoped, using key terms such as SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, etc.
Results: The genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2, drugs, and their potential mechanisms used in humans to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 were tabulated. Moreover, twenty-five clinical researches carried out against COVID-19 infection were also tabulated in this study. Preventive measures such as chemical disinfectants and increasing test capacity were also discussed.
Conclusion: The current study provides a snapshot of the overview of the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. The findings suggested the effective preventive measures to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and develop a better vaccine. The information from this review study also aids in early preparations for future pandemic outbreaks.

Keywords

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