COVID-19 Pandemic – a focused review for clinicians

Cevik, M., Bamford, C. and Ho, A. (2020) COVID-19 Pandemic – a focused review for clinicians. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 26(7), pp. 842-847. (doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.04.023) (PMID:32344166) (PMCID:PMC7182753)

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 remains a significant issue for global health, economics and society. A wealth of data has been generated since its emergence in December 2019, and it is vital for clinicians to keep up with this data from across the world at a time of uncertainty and constantly evolving guidelines and clinical practice. Objectives: Here we provide an update for clinicians on the recent developments in the virology, diagnostics, clinical presentation, viral shedding, and treatment options for COVID-19 based on current literature. Sources: We considered published peer-reviewed papers and non-peer-reviewed pre-print manuscripts on COVID19 and related aspects with an emphasis on clinical management aspects. Content: We describe the virological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical course of COVID-19 with an emphasis on diagnostic challenges, duration of viral shedding, severity markers and current treatment options. Implications: The key challenge in managing COVID-19 remains patient density. However, accurate diagnosis as well as early identification and management of high-risk severe cases are important for many clinicians. For improved management of cases, there is a need to understand test probability of serology, qRT-PCR and radiological testing, and the efficacy of available treatment options that could be used in severe cases with a high risk of mortality.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ho, Dr Antonia
• Authors: Cevik, M., Bamford, C., and Ho, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Clinical Microbiology and Infection
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1198-743X
• ISSN (Online): 1469-0691
• Published Online: 25 April 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• First Published: First published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection 26(7): 842-847
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy