Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives concerning SARS-COV-2: a review article
Arthur Ricardo Vilar Scavuzzi de Carvalho, Murilo Lobo Cezarotti Filho, P Azevedo, Robson Natário Silveira Filho, Fabiano Timbó Barbosa, Thiago José Matos Rocha, Célio Fernando de Sousa‐Rodrigues, Fernando José da Silva Ramos
Abstract
The present study aimed to review the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives related to COVID-19 infections. The following electronic databases were used searched: MEDLINE, SCIELO, and LILACS. It became clear that COVID-19 infections occur through exposure to the virus, and both the immunosuppressed and healthy population appear susceptible. The clinical course of COVID-19 is still not clear, although the SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to develop with mild, influenza-like symptoms in the vast majority of subjects, i.e., 10%-15% of COVID-19 patients. Since rRT-PCR tests serve as the gold standard method to confirm a SARS-CoV-2 infection, false-negative results could hinder the prevention and control of the epidemic, particularly considering the test plays a key role in the decision for continued isolated medical observation or discharge. Our findings also indicate that a radical increase in the identification and isolation of currently undocumented infections would be needed to fully control SARS-CoV2.