Diagnostic Strategies for COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19; single stranded positive RNA (+ssRNA) virus causes common cold to severe diseases viz., Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). At this point of time, prevalence of this pandemic virus increases exponentially and become global health burden. Asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic respiratory failure; characterized by leucopenia, leukocytosis, lymphonia and thrombocytopenia along with elevated levels of hepatic aminotransferases [Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine Transaminase (ALT)] and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Detection of viral genome by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended diagnostic modality. Enhanced inflammatory cytokines level will be observed in serum of severe patients. In the present scenario, therapeutic strategies for this infection are only supportive. Drastic research is needed for structural characterization of virus and pathophysiology of the disease. There is a need for strengthening of research in diagnostic and therapeutic areas to control the prevalence and cure the disease; increases survival rate with decreased mortality. Aggressive social isolation is the best way for progressive reduction of prevalence.