Author(s)

LaiYu Yan, Yanbo Wang

Corresponding Author

LaiYu Yan

ABSTRACT

In 2019, COVID-19 had taken place in Wuhan, China, and then cause a global pandemic. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as pandemic. This disease is caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 belonging to Coronaviridae family. The rapid spreading disease calls for fast and reliable diagnosis tools and effective treatment. Here in this review, we evaluated the most widely used diagnosis tools including reverse transcribed PCR and radiographic imaging. Current treatment approaches have also been discussed. Two major novel therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2 with ongoing clinical trials - PF07321332 and Molnupiravir - have been discussed in detail. A rapid spread and alarming data about COVID-19 accumulating and causing death on a daily basis call for fast and reliable diagnostic tools and timely treatment. One of the best diagnostic methods is reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An imaging technique such as CT and X-ray is a supplementary tool for confirming the infection based on the changes in images. As a result of the urgency of pandemic control, various studies have been carried out to develop specific therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2. It has been applied with limited success to repurpose several antiviral drugs. Molnupiravir and PF07321332, two recently developed therapeutics, are undergoing clinical trials showing promising antiviral effects.

KEYWORDS

COVID-19, Diagnosis, Treatment strategies