![]() Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone natively used to treat a broad spectrum of parasitic infestations including lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. Based on this, ivermectin has been recently reported as the most active agent against COVID-19 among the US FDA-approved drugs in vitro trial. In this context, recent studies on the use of hydroxychloroquine (an antimalarial drug) in combination with the antibiotic azithromycin and antiretroviral drugs like remdesivir, EIDD-2801 or favipiravir have shown effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. While the pandemic is spreading faster than wildfires, the unavailability of ratified drugs and or vaccine against the same has made the situation more alarming. Proinflammatory responses induced from host–virus interactions trigger vasodilation, accumulation of humoral factors that ultimately result in fever, abnormal alveolar exchange and breathing difficulty, leading to death of patients. In addition to these, interactions between the viral antigens and host immune cells are considered as a crucial determinant factor of the immunopathological attributes of COVID-19. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP replicase) is eventually translated from its mRNA strand with the help of its main protease enzyme, and the replicase enzyme catalyzes the rapid replication of the viral genome alongside other structural proteins required for reconstructing new viral particles. After its entry into the respiratory system, the spike glycoprotein ectodomain present on the viral capsid binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) transmembrane receptor protein, consequently, the RNA genome enters the alveolar cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. In general, aerosol droplets containing the virus particle gains access into the human respiratory system, precisely the alveolar membranes. However, the actual mechanistic pathway is still undefined. To date, several postulations are available regarding the mechanism of the pathogenesis of the virus in a human host. Unrestricted domestic and international air travels from COVID hotspots are also considered significant contributors to the global spread of this viral infection. It is well assumed that the virus may also spread via fecal matters and by fomite transmission, which occurs when a person comes into contact with a contaminated surface. The virus transmits from person to person mainly via close physical contact and by respiratory aerosols which are produced during coughing, sneezing, and even talking. ![]() This nucleocapsid contains a 29,903 base long, positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. This viral strain consists of four major structural proteins such as S protein, which encompasses the spike, E forming the envelope, M for the membrane and N for the nucleocapsid. The SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the β-Coronavirus genus of a 2B group of the Coronaviridae family. Hitherto, there are over 21.29 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, which has already taken 0.76 million lives till the mid of August 2020. ![]() ![]() The Coronaviridae family of viruses has engraved its name in history by cursing humankind with three major blows – the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by SARS-CoV, middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) caused by MERS-CoV, and the latest pandemic outbreak in the form of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.
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