The virus that shook the world: questions and answers about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging human beta-coronavirus that caused the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease - 19) pandemic, the most significant health and social crisis in the last 100 years. SARS-CoV-2 is not only a respiratory virus; the symptoms of COVID-19 can include gastrointestinal, neurological, renal, cardiovascular and other complications. A large part of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, around 20% of COVID-19 cases require hospitalization, and 5% can become critically ill. This review summarizes data on the biology of the virus and its pathological manifestations, antiviral immune response, information on the experimental models used in the related studies, treatment approaches and vaccine strategies.

Automated summary

SARS-CoV-2, an emerging human beta-coronavirus, has caused the COVID-19 pandemic, with a wide range of symptoms affecting various systems in the body. Many infected individuals are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, but a significant proportion require hospitalization and a small percentage can become critically ill. This review provides a comprehensive summary on the virus biology, pathological manifestations, immune response, experimental models, treatment options, and vaccine strategies.