Summary of the clinical manifestations, infection mechanisms and current
drug treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Abstract
The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and
rapid spread have continued to negatively affect the public health and
global economy. It has been reported that the commonest symptoms of
COVID-19 include fever, cough, fatigue, sputum production, and shortness
of breath. SARS-CoV-2, a novel enveloped RNA β-coronavirus, enters the
host cell with the aid of SARS-CoV receptor ACE2 and the spike protein
of SARS-CoV-2, primed by TMPRSS2. Currently, the most effective method
that lowers the risk of exposure to virus is isolation because the virus
is transmitted person-to-person. Several studies have been conducted to
determine drugs and vaccines likely to be effective against COVID-19.
However, no specific medicine is reported for the prevention or
treatment for SARS-CoV-2. This article not only reviews the clinical
manifestations, epidemiology of COVID-19 and the infection mechanisms of
SARS-CoV-2, but also discusses potential treatments for COVID-19,
including drug therapy, immune therapy (i.e., immunomodulator,
neutralizing antibody therapy and convalescent plasma therapy) and
vaccines. Our aim is to provide knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 and promotes
research through which more effective treatments and preventive measures
can be developed.