The epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19

Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2020 May;55(5):105955. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105955. Epub 2020 Mar 28.

Abstract

In December 2019, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China spread worldwide, becoming an emergency of major international concern. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes clusters of severe respiratory illness similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Human-to-human transmission via droplets, contaminated hands or surfaces has been described, with incubation times of 2-14 days. Early diagnosis, quarantine, and supportive treatments are essential to cure patients. This paper reviews the literature on all available information about the epidemiology, diagnosis, isolation and treatments of COVID-19. Treatments, including antiviral agents, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, antibodies, convalescent plasma transfusion and vaccines, are discussed in this article. In addition, registered trials investigating treatment options for COVID-19 infection are listed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Clinical trials; Diagnosis; Isolation; Pandemic; Remdesivir.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Coronavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents