1. Definition and classification
The term “coronavirus” refers to a family of RNA viruses that can infect humans and other animals. These viruses are so named for the crown-like appearance on their surface when viewed under an electron microscope, which is composed of spike proteins protruding from the viral surface.
Coronaviruses can cause a variety of diseases, ranging from mild respiratory infections like the common cold to more severe illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
The classification of coronaviruses is based on their genomic structure and phylogenetic relationship.
Currently, the known coronaviruses that can infect humans are: SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2.
• SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus): this coronavirus was first identified in 2002-2003 during the SARS epidemic. It causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a severe respiratory illness that can lead to respiratory failure and death
• MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus): this coronavirus was first identified in 2012 and causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a severe respiratory illness with high mortality, particularly prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula
• SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2): this coronavirus was first identified in late 2019 as the causative agent of COVID-19 disease. It is responsible for the global pandemic we have experienced. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel strain of coronavirus that had not been identified in humans before the COVID-19 epidemic.
2. Virus structure
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, commonly known as coronavirus, is the pathogen responsible for the COVID-19 disease that has shaken the world since its emergence. This virus has a complex and distinctive structure that plays a critical role in its mechanism of infection and transmission.
At the core of the SARS-CoV-2 virus structure lies its genetic material, which consists of a single strand of RNA. This RNA contains all the genetic instructions necessary for the virus replication inside host cells. Wrapped around the genetic material is a complex of proteins called nucleocapsid, which protects and supports the viral RNA.
Outside the protein capsule, the virus is surrounded by a lipid membrane called the envelope. This lipid membrane contains surface glycoproteins, also known as spike proteins, which give the virus its characteristic crown-like appearance when viewed under a microscope. The surface glycoproteins are crucial for the virus adhesion to host cells and for the virus entry into the cell.
The structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus includes enzymes and accessory proteins, which play crucial roles in viral replication and interaction with the host immune system.
A detailed understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus structure is essential for the development of effective therapies and vaccines against COVID-19. In-depth studies on viral structure provide crucial information for identifying therapeutic targets and developing strategies to combat viral infection.
3. Transmission mechanism
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, responsible for the COVID-19 disease, primarily spreads from person to person through respiratory particles emitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus transmission mechanism involves several factors:
• Direct contact: transmission can occur through direct contact with an infected person, such as through handshakes or hugs, especially if the person has touched their face mucous membranes with hands contaminated by the virus
• Respiratory droplets: respiratory particles containing the virus can be released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. These particles can be directly inhaled by people nearby, within a radius of about 2 meters from the infected person
• Aerosols: smaller particles, known as aerosols, can remain suspended in the air for longer periods and can be carried over longer distances, increasing the risk of infection in closed or poorly ventilated environments
• Indirect contact: transmission can also occur through indirect contact with surfaces or objects contaminated by the virus if a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face, especially the eyes, nose, or mouth
• Pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission: infected individuals can also transmit the virus before developing symptoms (pre-symptomatic transmission) or without ever developing symptoms (asymptomatic transmission).
4. Pathogenesis and symptoms
The infection typically begins in the upper respiratory tract, with the virus infecting the cells of the airways and the nasopharyngeal mucosa. This can cause common cold symptoms such as sore throat, dry cough, nasal congestion, and fever.
In more severe cases, the virus can progress to the lungs, causing viral pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This progression can lead to more severe symptoms such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing), chest pain, and reduced oxygen saturation.
The inflammatory response of the immune system to the viral infection can cause systemic inflammation and an excess of cytokines, known as “cytokine storm.” This process can damage tissues and vital organs, contributing to serious complications such as multiorgan failure and coagulopathy.
In addition to the lungs, the virus can involve other organs and systems in the body, such as the heart, kidneys, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. This can cause a variety of extra-respiratory symptoms, including loss of taste and smell, gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiac, and neurological abnormalities.
Some people may experience long-term symptoms after contracting COVID-19, known as “COVID-19 long-haulers” or “long COVID.” These symptoms include persistent fatigue, brain fog, respiratory difficulties, muscle and joint pains, and other symptoms that persist for weeks or months after recovering from the acute illness.
5. Treatment and prevention approaches
Regarding treatment, various strategies are adopted to address both acute symptoms and complications of the disease. In acute treatment, the main goal is to provide symptomatic support to alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Rest, hydration, and the use of fever and muscle pain control medications are recommended.
In more severe cases, such as those involving severe respiratory failure, more advanced therapies such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation may be necessary. The use of antiviral drugs like remdesivir or corticosteroids like dexamethasone may be considered to reduce the severity of the disease and improve clinical outcomes in more severe patients.
Alongside treatment, prevention plays a fundamental role in pandemic management. Non-pharmacological prevention measures such as mask-wearing, physical distancing, and hand hygiene are crucial in reducing virus transmission. Vaccination is another key pillar of prevention, as approved vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing severe illness and reducing the risk of transmission.
Additionally, contact tracing and isolation of positive cases are important strategies to interrupt the virus transmission chain. Adopting ventilation and air exchange measures in indoor environments can also help reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
Overall, the approach to managing COVID-19 combines a series of integrated strategies based on current scientific knowledge and practical experience to reduce the impact of the disease on public health and society as a whole.
