Coronavirus overview
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Coronavirus Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Coronavirus overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Coronavirus overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Coronavirus is a genus of animal virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae.[1]
Historical Perspective
Coronaviruses were first isolated from chickens in 1937. In 1965, Tyrrell and Bynoe used cultures of human ciliated embryonal trachea to propagate the first human coronavirus (HCoV) in vitro. There are now approximately 15 species in this family, which infect not only man but cattle, pigs, rodents, cats, dogs and birds (some are serious veterinary pathogens, especially chickens).[2]
Epidemiology and Demographics
Coronaviruses have a worldwide distribution, causing 10-15% of common cold cases. Infections show a seasonal pattern with most cases occurring in the winter months.[3] Coronavirus infection is very common and occurs worldwide. The incidence of infection is strongly seasonal, with the greatest incidence in children in winter. Adult infections are less common. The number of coronavirus serotypes and the extent of antigenic variation is unknown. Re-infections appear to occur throughout life, implying multiple serotypes (at least four are known) and/or antigenic variation, hence the prospects for immunization appear bleak.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Clinically, most infections cause a mild, self-limiting disease (common cold or stomach upset), but there may be rare neurological complications. SARS is a form of viral pneumonia where infection encompasses the lower respiratory tract.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Coronavirus infections are not usually diagnosed due to the mild, self-limiting nature of the disease.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory tests can be done to confirm whether your illness may be caused by human coronaviruses. However, these tests are not used very often because people usually have mild illness. Also, testing may be limited to a few specialized laboratories.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Research laboratories have used isolation methods, electron microscopy, serology and PCR-based assays to diagnosis coronavirus infections for surveillance studies.
References
- ↑ Thiel V (editor). (2007). Coronaviruses: Molecular and Cellular Biology (1st ed. ed.). Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-904455-16-5.