Ukr.Biochem.J. 2020; Volume 92, Issue 6, Nov-Dec, pp. 5-52
doi: https://doi.org/10.15407/ubj92.06.005
Scientists’ pursuit for SARS-COV-2 coronavirus: strategies against pandemic
S. V. Komisarenko
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
e-mail: svk@biochem.kiev.ua
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which in 2020 became pandemic and a global threat. As of January 10, 2021, 218 countries and territories have reported 90.783 million confirmed cases and 1.945 million deaths. The aim of this article is to briefly review the numerous information linked to this virus and the COVID-19 disease and to give an analysis and landscape of appropriate problems. In particular, to acquaint with information on the coronavirus biology, its origin, structure and ways of infection; on the features of COVID-19 disease, diagnostics, the use of pharmaceuticals for the disease treatment and the formation of immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Particular attention was given to the vaccines’ development and the effectiveness of anti-epidemic measures (quarantine). The use of mathematical modeling of the epidemic process and the prospects of quarantine ending is also discussed. Finally, the data relevant to the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant VOC 2020 12/1 are presented with special attention to its possible impact on the virus diagnostics and vaccination.
Keywords: anti-viral immunity, COVID-19 diagnosis, COVID-19 pandemic, models of the epidemic process, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 variant VOC 2020 12/1, vaccines, ways of infection
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