Science and tech spotlight: coronaviruses

Science and tech spotlight: coronaviruses

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Contributor(s):
United States. Government Accountability Office, issuing body.
Publication:
[Washington, DC] : United States Government Accountability Office, March 2020
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Coronaviridae
Pandemics -- prevention & control
Public Health Surveillance
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
What is it? Generally, coronaviruses originate in animals, with the most likely origin being bats, and can spread from animal to animal. In environments where humans and multiple animal species mix, such as live animal markets and farms, there is an increased likelihood that a coronavirus can mutate and spread into humans. The original animal vector for SARS-CoV-2 has not yet been determined. How mature is it? Several procedures, including diagnostic testing, are available to address coronaviruses, and are being used in the U.S. response. However, vaccines and therapies are not yet mature. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, Chinese researchers isolated the virus, sequenced its genome, and shared the results with the scientific community. The sequencing allowed CDC to develop a diagnostic test that is now being distributed to local labs. Also, based on genetic similarities, a vaccine developed for SARS has been recommended by researchers as a possible option for SARS-CoV-2. And researchers are drawing on the SARS-CoV-2 genome to help determine which aspects of the coronavirus might be used to develop a more specific vaccine against it. For those already infected, doctors are trying a drug originally made to treat Ebola that also works against SARS and MERS. The first U.S. patient diagnosed with COVID-19 was treated with this drug under compassionate use (a policy allowing some use of non-approved drugs), and additional antivirals are being tested.
Copyright:
The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (2 unnumbered pages))
Illustrations:
Illustrations
NLM Unique ID:
9918250409906676 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9918250409906676