Table 1.
Biological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
| References | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name of disease | COVID-19 | [35] |
| Caused by | SARS-CoV-2 | [35–37] |
| Virus genus | β-coronavirus | [14] |
| Virus composition | RNA, Spike protein, β-coronavirus, and hemagglutinin | [38] |
| Virus target | Respiratory system | |
| Functional receptor | ACE-2 | [28] |
| Mode of transmission | Contact, respiratory droplets, fecal oral route, and fomites | |
| Incubation period | 2–14 days | [39] |
| Average age affected | 46% of cases occur in adults | |
| Classic symptoms | Fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath | [40] |
| Complications | Pneumonia, ARDS | |
| Mortality rate | >3%; increases with age and co-morbidities | [41] |
| Investigation/findings | CT chest, lymphocytopenia | |
| Diagnosis | Identification of viral RNA by PCR | [2] |
| Treatment | Supportive care including antiviral drugs | |
| Vaccines | Under clinical trials in selected countries | |
| Mode of reduction | Social distancing, avoidance of close contact, good personal hygiene, personal protective equipment, sheltering at home, isolation of identified cases |