"Tomorrow Never Dies": Recent Advances in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Modalities against Coronavirus (COVID-19) amid Controversies

Abstract

The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV or COVID-19) is responsible for severe health emergency throughout the world. The attack of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is found to be responsible for COVID-19. The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing global public health emergency as a pandemic. The whole world fights against this invincible enemy in various capacities to restore economy, lifestyle, and safe life. Enormous amount of scientific research work(s), administrative strategies, and economic measurements are in place to create a successful step against COVID-19. Furthermore, differences in opinion, facts, and implementation methods laid additional layers of complexities in this battle against survival. Thus, a timely overview of the recent, important, and overall inclusive developments against this pandemic is a pressing need for better understanding and dealing with COVID-19. In this review, we have systematically summarized the epidemiological studies, clinical features, biological properties, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities, and preventive measurements related to COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; alternatives; biology; controversies; coronavirus; data; diagnosis; prevention; technology; treatment.

Figure 1

(A) Distribution of COVID-19 cases over various continents according to Worldometer (data accessed on 24th July, 2020). (B) Year-wise results for research on “Coronavirus” and “Coronavirus Disease” keyword for last 10 years (2020–2011) according to PubMed (data accessed on 24th July, 2020).

Figure 2

Hypothetical cartoon presentation of morphology, structural constituents, and possible receptor mediated cellular binding of SARS-CoV-2. Size, shape, and integral components are for visualization purpose only and do not exactly replicate the ultra-structural morphology of virus.

Figure 3

Possible treatment modalities against COVID-19.

Figure 4

Four most promising drug candidates or combinations approved for clinical trial for COVID-19 treatment by WHO (announced on 18 March 2020).

Figure 5

Three primary modes of preventive strategies to manage COVID-19 pandemic.

Figure 6

Possible preventive methodologies against infectious disease in future.