Potential diagnostics and therapeutic approaches in COVID-19

• Published in: Clinica chimica acta 2020-11, Vol.510, p.488-497
• Main Authors: Kumari, Pratibha, Singh, Archana, Ngasainao, Moses Rinchui, Shakeel, Ilma, Kumar, Sanjay, Lal, Seema, Singhal, Anchal, Sohal, SS, Singh, Indrakant Kumar, Hassan, MI
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiviral drugs; Coronavirus Infections - diagnosis; Coronavirus Infections - drug therapy; Coronavirus Infections - genetics; Coronavirus Infections - therapy; COVID-19; Humans; Immunochromatographic assay and Drug discovery; Molecular diagnosis; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - diagnosis; Pneumonia, Viral - drug therapy; Pneumonia, Viral - genetics; Pneumonia, Viral - therapy; Review; RT-PCR; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 0009-8981; 1873-3492; 1873-3492
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.08.013

•Insights into different diagnostic techniques of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been provided.•We highlighted the importance of different diagnosis methods of COVID-19.•Emerging drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 are also discussed. The most important aspect of controlling COVID-19 is its timely diagnosis. Molecular diagnostic tests target the detection of any of the following markers such as the specific region of the viral genome, certain enzyme, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the structural proteins such as surface spike glycoprotein, nucleocapsid protein, envelope protein, or membrane protein of SARS-CoV-2. This review highlights the underlying mechanisms, advancements, and clinical limitations for each of the diagnostic techniques authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (USA). Significance of diagnosis triaging, information on specimen collection, safety considerations while handling, transport, and storage of samples have been highlighted to make medical and research community more informed so that better clinical strategies are developed. We have discussed here the clinical manifestations and hospital outcomes along with the underlying mechanisms for several drugs administered to COVID-19 prophylaxis. In addition to favourable clinical outcomes, the challenges, and the future directions of management of COVOD-19 are highlighted. Having a comprehensive knowledge of the diagnostic approaches of SARS-CoV-2, and its pathogenesis will be of great value in designing a long-term strategy to tackle COVID-19.