SARS-CoV-2: Current Perspective on Control, Prevention, and Therapeutic Promise

Abstract

Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has halted activities throughout the globe because of its rapid spread. COVID-19  is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) a β-coronavirus first detected in China. SARS-CoV-2 has been implicated to be transmitted via direct contact, fomite, respiratory droplets, and possibly aerosol. The spread of the disease is complicated due to the slow onset of symptoms and asymptomatic infected patients.

Methods: This narrative communication summarizes the recent researches sourced using sensitive search strategies to identify COVID-19 current perspectives on the control, prevention, and therapeutic promise.

Result: Several strategies and multiple control measures have been implemented around the globe to contain COVID-19. Considering the   exponential spread of the pandemic, several scientists and physicians have been racing to discover possible therapeutics and vaccines for COVID-19. There are clinical trials to investigate the vaccine designed to protect against the infection and also to substantiate the claim made for BCG protection against COVID-19. Although, there is currently no universally approved medication to treat SARS-CoV-2, there have been random reports of existing medications ameliorating the infection, and these regimens are still under clinical trial. There is also the potential therapeutic prospect of rhinothermy to fight SARS-CoV-2 judging from its success in fighting upper respiratory tract viral infection.

Conclusion: The information provided in this communication gives a reliable intellectual grounding regarding the current perspective on COVID-19  control, progress made in the development of vaccines and therapeutic regimen, and where future research in this area should be focused.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; control; WHO; respiratory; cases; tract