The epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19

Pan Zhai, Yanbing Ding, Xia Wu, Junke Long, Yanjun Zhong, Yiming Li, Pan Zhai, Yanbing Ding, Xia Wu, Junke Long, Yanjun Zhong, Yiming Li

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.

Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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