A real-time updated portrayal of COVID-19 diagnosis and therapeutic options. (Special Issue: SARS-CoV-2.)

Nazim, Hussain Aqeel Ahmed Khan M. I.; Zhu, WenHua Nadeem Z.; Bilal, M.

The outbreak of COVID-19 seems to be the worst pandemic of history. The pandemic sprouting from China has created an uncertain situation globally. The rapid prevalence of this infectious agent has severely paralyzed every discipline of life at the domestic and international global levels within a few months after onset. The exponential growth of COVID-19 infected admissions in hospitals has oversaturated hospitals capacity, especially in developing and third world countries. Despite efforts of global communities and organizations, several developed countries are especially more affected due to a good economy and more intercontinental traveling. Due to extensive geographical spread, rapid transmission inclination, and severity of disease caused by COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared "Public Health Emergency of International Concern". The ripple influence of this pandemic has brought potential challenges to worldwide health-care systems. It might trigger a "far-reaching" global economic crisis if the virus spread is not strictly curbed. Therefore, the scientific concern has heightened on this novel Corona virus. This review intends to show a complete, updated, and streamlined picture of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first half of this review discusses the basic molecular virology of COVID-19, pathogenesis, immune response, and its transmission. The second part light on clinical features, diagnostic techniques, and facilities in Pakistan. Finally, along with the prevention and possible treatment of COVID-19, the opportunities and future perspectives are also discussed. In particular, the aim of this review is the true portrayal of RT-PCR testing in Pakistan.