Novel human coronavirus infection overview
|
Novel Human Coronavirus Infection Microchapters |
|
Differentiating Novel Human Coronavirus Infection from other Diseases |
|---|
|
Diagnosis |
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Novel human coronavirus infection overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Novel human coronavirus infection overview |
|
Directions to Hospitals Treating Novel human coronavirus infection |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Novel human coronavirus infection overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Novel human coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. A previously unknown coronavirus was isolated from the sputum of a 60-year-old man who presented with acute pneumonia and subsequent renal failure with a fatal outcome in Saudi Arabia. A novel coronavirus (human betacoronavirus 2c EMC/2012) has caused a handful of infections in three countries in the Middle East. Although it does not seem to be transmitted between humans, it can cause severe disease and death, and scientists are watching closely for new cases.
Historical Perspective
The virus first emerged in the Middle East, and was discovered on September 2012 in a Qatari patient who had recently traveled to Saudi Arabia.[1] Virologist Ron Fouchier has speculated that the virus might originate from bats.[2]
Causes
Novel human coronavirus is a ssRNA positive-strand viruses with no DNA stage. It belongs to order Nidovirales, family Coronaviridae.
WHO recognizes that the emergence of a new coronavirus capable of causing severe disease raises concerns because of experience with SARS. Although this novel coronavirus is distantly related to the SARS CoV, they are different. Based on current information, it does not appear to transmit easily between people, unlike the SARS virus.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
In confirmed cases of illness in humans, common symptoms have been acute, serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. Based on current clinical experience, the infection generally presents as pneumonia. It is important to note that the current understanding of the illness caused by this infection is based on a limited number of cases and may change as more information becomes available.
=Laboratory Findings
Lab tests (polymerase chain reaction or PCR) for the novel coronavirus are available at CDC and other international labs. Otherwise, these tests are not routinely available.
Other Diagnostic Studies
The United Kingdom's Health Protection Agency is working on the genetic sequence of the virus, based on the sequence obtained from the Qatari case.[3]
References
- ↑ Nebehay, Stephanie (26 September 2012). "WHO issues guidance on new virus, gears up for haj". Reuters. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ↑ Doucleff, Michaeleen (28 September 2012). "Holy Bat Virus! Genome Hints At Origin Of SARS-Like Virus". NPR. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
- ↑ "How threatening is the new coronavirus?". BBC. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2012.