Covid-19 pandemic: following the science

Abstract

Almost as soon as the novel virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)  was discovered, scientists worldwide started probing its biology, while others developed diagnostic  tests or vaccines to control it. However, studies are still on-going on the biology, management and prevention of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This paper examined the role of Science in this regard. By following the science we now know that the structure and genomic sequence of SARSCoV-2 is the key to understanding its mode of transmission and infection. It is also critical in developing novel plans for the management or prevention of the disease. Thus in this regard current evidence indicates the virus requires binding of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) glycoprotein to angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for entry into host cell. Thus the COVID-19 pandemic has
elicited scientific groups worldwide to evolve unusual technologies for the identification of COVID-19 infection or to readjust existing identification systems conforming to the characteristics of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus. The innovative methods for detection of the virus such as RT-PCR-based molecular tests, rapid antigen or antibody tests and immunoenzymatic serological tests were described in the paper. The paper shed light on Science of the therapeutics used for management of COVID-19
based on the following: inhibition of virus entry, inhibition of virus replication, immunomodulatory agents and immunoglobulin therapy. The paper showed that by exploiting different technologies, scientists were able develop anti-COVID-19 candidate vaccines which target the entire SARS-CoV-2 molecules or pieces of molecules exhibited on surface of the virus. During their replication in host cells SARS-CoV-2 can alter their genome sequence and this process is referred to as mutations. The paper
discussed the current upsurge in several mutations and variants of SARS-CoV-2