Current status of therapy of SARS

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by the SARSassociated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) has caused a worldwide outbreak in 2003. This chapter will start with a description of the pathogenesis of this disease, followed by a review of the various pharmacological treatments and supportive ventilatory strategies adopted during the outbreak. The principles used to design various combinations of therapeutic agents and treatment modalities will also be described based on the present knowledge.