ABSTRACT Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) is the prevailing global health issue at this time, spreading rapidly despite various containment efforts. It is first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and the total number of cases has reached 7,064,230 with 404,585 total deaths globally to date (June 7, 2020). SARS-CoV-2 is reported closely related to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the virus causes only mild symptoms in the majority of cases. However, it can progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), eventually leading to multiple organ dysfunction, the major cause of mortality among affected patients. The primary modes of transmission include droplet and contact infection, and possibly respiratory aerosols in settings where aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) occur. Diagnosis mainly relies on detecting the viral RNA in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens, combined with imaging techniques such as chest X-ray and computerized tomography (CT) scan. Currently, no empirical therapy or vaccine is available yet for the virus, and supportive measures remain the mainstay of treatment. Information about the virus is being updated every day. This review article summarizes the current knowledge surrounding the outbreak, including epidemiology, virological facts, pathogenesis, clinical findings, diagnostic criteria, and currently available therapeutics and vaccines, with a special emphasis on Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia.
SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19--epidemiology