Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19

Nat Rev Microbiol. 2021 Mar;19(3):141-154. doi: 10.1038/s41579-020-00459-7. Epub 2020 Oct 6.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 and has caused a pandemic of acute respiratory disease, named 'coronavirus disease 2019' (COVID-19), which threatens human health and public safety. In this Review, we describe the basic virology of SARS-CoV-2, including genomic characteristics and receptor use, highlighting its key difference from previously known coronaviruses. We summarize current knowledge of clinical, epidemiological and pathological features of COVID-19, as well as recent progress in animal models and antiviral treatment approaches for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also discuss the potential wildlife hosts and zoonotic origin of this emerging virus in detail.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / pathology*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Coronavirus / classification
  • Coronavirus / genetics
  • Humans
  • Phylogeny
  • SARS-CoV-2 / classification
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology
  • Zoonoses