Search

The etiological agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that emerged at the end of year 2019 was first reported in Wuhan, China and was found to be SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2). The massive COVID-19 waves were due to various variants. As per the reports of other study it was also found that Omicron variant spread faster than various other variant such as delta variant. Omicron has been reported from various countries and now from many states of India too. Therefore, keeping this in mind, this study was undertaken to study all the lineages of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of disease COVID-19 that are circulating in the population of Uttarakhand with objective to study next generation sequencing of all the RT-PCR positive of SARS-CoV-2 and to find out all the lineages of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. This was a retrospective study conducted from 1st January 2022 to 30th September 2022. Next generation sequencing was performed on all the samples that were tested for COVID-19 by using Ion AmpliSeq kit on Ion Chef instrument. A total of 2149 samples were tested in which majority of samples belong to age group of 21-40 years. Males were affected more than females. BA.2 was found to be the predominant lineage of total of 46 lineages that were identified. Their mutations were also studied. We conclude that different variants of clade 21L, 22B, 22D and Omicron subvariant BA.2, BA.2.38 and BA.2.75 were the ones that were circulating amongst the population of Uttarakhand. The characteristic mutation that was found were T19I and V213G in NTD, S373P, S375F, T376A, and D405N in RBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was due to novel coronavirus was detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China for the first time and spread rapidly became a global pandemic. This study aimed to predict the potential of macroalgae compounds as SARS-CoV-2 antiviral by inhibiting of ACE2 receptor through in silico approach. Twenty-seven macroalgae compounds were obtained from PubChem (NCBI, USA), while target protein ACE2 receptor was collected from Protein Data Bank (PDB). Then the initial screening study drug-likeness conducted by Lipinski rule of five web server and prediction of bioactive probability carried out by PASS (Prediction of activity spectra for biologically active substances) Online web server. After those compounds were approved by Lipinski's rule of five and PASS online prediction web server, the blind docking simulation was performed using PyRx 0.8 software to show binding energy value. Molecular interaction analysis was done using BIOVIA Discovery Studio 2016 v16.1.0 and PyMOL v2.4.1 software. There are six macroalgae compounds approved by Lipinski's rule of five and PASS Online Analysis. The result is that macroalgae compound siphonaxanthin among 27 macroalgae compound showed strong binding energy to bind ACE2 receptor with -8.8 kcal/mol. This study also used the SARS-CoV-2 drugs as positive control: remdesivir, molnupiravir, baricitinib, lopinavir, oseltamivir, and favipiravir. The result shows that siphonaxanthin has lowest binding energy than the common SARS-CoV-2 drug. Macroalgae compounds are predicted to have potential as SARS-CoV-2 antiviral. Thus, extension studies need to investigate by in vitro and in vivo analysis for confirmation the siphonaxanthin's inhibitory activity in combat SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus had emerged in Wuhan city, China that led to an outbreak resulting in a global pandemic, taking thousands of lives. The infectious virus was later classified as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Individuals infected by this novel virus initially exhibit nonspecific symptoms such as dry cough, fever, dizziness and many more bodily complications. From the "public health emergency of international concern" declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO), several countries have taken steps in controlling the transmission and many researchers share their knowledge on the SARS-COV-2 characteristics and viral life cycle, that may aid in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and antiviral drugs that interfere with the viral life cycle. In this literature review the origin, classification, aetiology, life cycle, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis and treatment are all reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses causing mild to severe upper respiratory tract syndrome. Recent pandemic threat caused by SARS-CoV-2 first appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Whether the COVID-19 might be affected by warming global temperatures like some of previous pandemic flues. Therefore, the current study aims to analyze the effect of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 31 different provinces in China and 274 provinces and/or countries were obtained from an online database. The real time temperature and humidity of the respective regions were taken from another online weather reporting data source. Spearman [R(s)] rank correlation was performed to identify the relationship between the variables (e.g., temperature, number of confirmed cases etc.). The overall spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in relations to temperature was inversely correlated. Among 29 of 31 provinces of China the overall correlation coeffient of the relationship between temperature and viral spread was negative [-R(s)] where in 15 provinces the correlation was at significant level (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant negative relationship observed between the SARS-CoV-2 spreading and air temperature throughout the 274 provinces and/or countries of the world. However, there was no significant co relationship between humidity and COVID-19 spreading either in China or among countries and/ or various regions of the world. The SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to be spread in a wide range of temperature throughout the world. Thus, several factors including temperature, may influnce the SARS-CoV-2 spreading. As a results, relatively elevated air temperature could not completely prevent viral spread but it might be one of the important detrimental factors for SARS-CoV-2 rapid spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) rose without precedent for Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It is a kind of exceptionally pathogenic human coronavirus (HCoV) which causes zoonotic sicknesses and represents a significant risk to general wellbeing. Recognizing the hidden biology and pathogenesis of this novel coronavirus is extremely critical to comprehend as well as boosting the treatment of this deadly pandemic. The point of this study is to recognize key genes which show significant expression in the SARS-CoV-2 infected lungs as compared to healthy ones. Our analysis uncovered 149 gene-signatures that show substantial up-regulation in COVID-19 lungs. Out of these, top ten dysregulated genes STAP1, CASP5, FDCSP, CARD17, ST20, AKR1B10, CLC, KCNJ2-AS1, RNASE2 and FLG are found to be significant based on various crucial statistical factors and may end up being acceptable helpful drug targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current pandemic of COVID-19 has caused havoc all over world since its emergence and rapid spread. Within three months the virus SARS-CoV-2 which was isolated from pneumonia cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in late December 2019, has affected almost all countries. India reported its first case of COVID-19 from state of Kerala on January 30, 2020, a student returned from city of Wuhan. Till date in India the disease had affected 12759 patients with 420 deaths. With every passing day the mysterious virus is been uncovered with its unique characteristics enabling the researcher to unfold the various methods including hand washing and social distancing to curtail the pandemic. Measures like 21 days lockdown to certain extent are effective but considering asymptomatic spreaders, extended measured lockdowns will be useful in the long term war against COVID-19. Till the vaccine and therapeutic solutions are derived, answer to pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 lies in lockdown, social distancing, contact tracing and containment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), a new enveloped RNA virus known as Coronavirus (COvID-19) are most prevalent in humans and wild animals. All four species that is alpha, beta, delta and theta have been identified till date and are responsible for human disease; causing influenza like illness (ILI). This virus has similar lineage of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This outbreak initially presented as pneumonia-like illness in a group of people in Wuhan, China. The infection was said to be caused by seafood and unusual animals in the wholesale markets of this city. SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious and has resulted in a rapid pandemic. As of now it has spread to 197 countries with total no of cases in the world being 3.76 million as of early march. The mortality till now is 7.11% . The cases have been increasing since its first discovery in China. In India also the number has been increased. Till now India has total of 39,980 cases and mortality is attributed to be 3.26%. As per data from Ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) death is more commonly seen in males with age >60years. Among these most of the deaths were related to other co-morbid conditions. This article will help the readers with an overview of novel Coronavirus spanning around the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies and infection control measures. It will also help in raising awareness among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 and aid in early recognition of these patients. Moreover, this review will also focus on the most recent information for the effective management, prevention, and treatment of patients worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two highly human pathogenic coronaviruses outbreak in the beginning of 21st century i.e. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2002 and 2012 respectively caused high pathogenicity and fatality rates in human populations. Recently, a new coronavirus named as SARS-CoV-2 or nCoV-2019 was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 which is responsible for an acute human respiratory illness referred as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), an ongoing pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is the third known highly pathogenic virus affecting human population. This virus spread globally within few weeks of first identification and nearly 5.52 million confirmed cases with more than 3,47,000 deaths reported as of May 25, 2020. Till date, there are no specific anti-viral drugs, therapies or vaccines to contain and prevent this infectious pathogen outbreak. The global spread of this virus to over 210 countries resulted in both human and economic losses, highlighting the need for an immediate imperative research exploration on prophylactic and therapeutic measures. Current knowledge and understanding of the pathogenesis of similar coronavirus SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV might be helpful for the rapid development of treatment strategies to prevent the further spread of this virus. In this review, we recapitulate the topical understanding on the structure, pathogenesis and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 that has emerged as a major health concern worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a new disease that emerged in Wuhan, China which spreads through close contact of people, often by small droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. Detail mechanism by which it spreads between people are under investigation. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this disease as a pandemic after the severity of the disease increased. Many scientific reports gathered have suggested many drugs that could be potential candidates for the treatment. Although, clinical effectiveness has not been fully evaluated. In this review, we have aggregated the data from few research articles, official news websites and few review papers regarding its phylogenetic relation, genomic constitution, transmission, replication and in-silico analysis done by researchers for few potent drugs that are currently used to cure COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to Betacoronavirus genus with Genome structure consists 14 Open Reading Frames (ORFs) that encode 27 proteins. Coronavirus replicates into the host cells having unique mechanisms like ribosome frame-shifting and synthesis of genomic and sub genomic RNAs. In-silico methods have the advantage that they can make fast predictions for a large set of compounds in a high-throughput mode and also make their prediction based on the structure of a compound even before it has been synthesized. In-silico softwares have been used to find or to improve a novel bioactive compound, which may exhibit a strong affinity to a particular target in the drug development process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly spreading outbreak of the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing serious health concerns worldwide. It started as an epidemic in Wuhan, Hubei province, central China, and has now become a pandemic, spreading over most of the continents of the planet. The major clinical symptoms of the infection are dry cough, fever, pneumonia, respiratory failure, hypoxia, and in certain cases, even death. Alveolar damage and respiratory system failure are observed in severe cases. Initial mild infection leads to activation of the immune system in the lungs and accumulation of various inflammatory cells and molecules. At a later phase during the infection, a "cytokine storm" causes an Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), leading to an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, migration of a large number of immune cells to the site of infection, and ultimately pulmonary damage. The rapid and uncontrolled outbreak requires putative therapeutic drugs for treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19. Amongst the currently used antiviral drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, remdesivir etc. we would like to present an update on another effective drug, pentoxifylline. Pentoxifylline has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-viral, and bronchodilatory properties. Pentoxifylline is known to reduce cytokine production, immune cell migration, and suppress certain signal transduction pathways (e.g. NF-ĸβ and STAT3). Thus, it minimizes inflammatory damage in the lung tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'COVID-19' the recent virulent viral infection had influenced the lives of millions globally leading to both loss of life, economic and financial crisis. Coronavirus belongs to family coronaviridae with four genus viz. α/b and g-coronavirus, infecting both aves and mammals. The SARS-Cov-2 emerged in Wuhan, China in Dec, 2019 and since then had spread to 213 countries. Its origin is debatable with both natural origin and conspiracy theory providing no conclusive evidences. Coronavirus have '+'ive RNA and encodes for 29 proteins, which carries out its life cycle including infection and disease progression. The study of its proteome organization could illustrate the proteins which act as the key molecular players in the infection cycle of the virus. These proteins can also act as important drug targets in combating COVID-19 infection. Majority of the drugs have been formulated in order to act as agonist to spike proteins inhibiting infection by binding to ACE2 receptors. Proteome analysis has also revealed the critical mutated proteins that are responsible for COVID-19 pathogenesis and virulence. mRNA based vaccines (mRNA-1273, BNT162) also targets these spike proteins. Although DNA vaccine has also been attempted using RDT, but the high rate of mutation associated with COVID-19 have made such vaccines ineffective even before use. Thus evolutionarily conserved proteins have been the best candidature for vaccine development. Similarly phylogenetic analysis of its proteins could help us to understand the evolutionary pattern of COVID-19. It could be used to develop a predictable model for such pathogenic infections, preparing ourselves to take preventive action against its reoccurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus initially reported in Wuhan, China, is the causative agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Symptoms of the disease comprise of fever, tiredness, dry cough, aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhoea and pneumonia at the late stage. SARS-CoV-2 has severely crippled the healthcare system and has caused huge economic losses. Following the outbreak, the SARS-CoV-2 was recognized timely and its genome was sequenced, leading to the development of real-time polymerase chain reaction assays for its detection in clinical samples collected from suspected cases. The management of the pandemic is limited by a number of misconceptions and insufficient information about laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2 to confirm the disease. This includes a lack of awareness about procedures for the collection, transport, testing, and handling of biological samples for COVID diagnosis. This article provides an overview of the current laboratory diagnostic methods with a purpose to provide information and guidance to laboratories, stakeholders, broader community and especially public health professionals involved in laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a new viral-based infection has emerged as a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, China. With any or many reasons, this newly emerged novel-Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has now been recognized in more than 70 locations around the globe. The disease caused by 2019-nCoV has been named as “coronavirus disease 2019 – COVID-19”. Due to the rising number of confirmed 2019-nCoV infected cases and widespread detection, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced 2019-nCoV as a threatening health concern, and urgent robust actions are of supreme interest to tackle this global health emergency. Owing to this new emergence, we know relatively little about 2019-nCoV, which is a highly pathogenic human pathogen. To completely overcome this life-threatening 2019-nCoV pathogen, further in-depth studies are needed to gain insight and complete understanding about its fast mode spread, replication, and pathogenesis. Since the first appearance and detection of 2019-nCoV and COVID-19, respectively, the current literature lacks the global perspective and replication cycle of 2019-nCoV. Thus, herein, an effort has been made to cover this literature gap. A proper understanding of the 2019-nCoV replication will further insight and strengthen the infection control measures, transmission prevention, and vaccine development, effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]