COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus 2019) – Recent Trends
Authors: Kannan, P. Shaik Syed Ali, A. Sheeza, K. Hemalatha
Affiliation: School of Medicine, The Maldives National University, Malé, Maldives.
Kannan.subbaram@mnu.edu.mv
Infectious Diseases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that although the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), originating in Wuhan (China), is not yet classified as a pandemic, it must be contained to prevent global spread. COVID-19 was initially known as 2019-nCoV. As of February 12, 2020, WHO reported 45,171 cases and 1,115 deaths related to COVID-19.
COVID-19 shows similarities to SARS-CoV in terms of pathogenicity, clinical spectrum and epidemiology. Genomic sequence comparisons between COVID-19, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV reveal that COVID-19 shares higher sequence identity with SARS-CoV than MERS-CoV. However, it differs in specific amino acid regions related to the polyprotein 1ab and surface glycoprotein (S-protein).
Although several animals have been suggested as potential reservoirs, no animal host has been confirmed yet. COVID-19 causes illness with symptoms similar to those of SARS-CoV. Studies suggest that the human receptor used by COVID-19 may be the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the same receptor exploited by SARS-CoV.
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of COVID-19 shares about 90% amino acid sequence identity with SARS-CoV. Although antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV N protein may react with COVID-19, they are unlikely to provide cross-immunity. Similar to SARS-CoV, the N protein of COVID-19 may contribute to the suppression of RNA interference (RNAi), helping the virus evade host immune defenses.
This mini-review examines the most recent trends related to COVID-19.