Question

Critical Thinking.

Consider the epidemiological approach and the questions related to health events and health concerns. Answer these questions in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Answer 1

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2) ia an ongoing global health emergency. Here we highlight most important research questions concerning virus transmission, asymptomatic and presymptomatic virus shedding, diagnosis, treatment, vaccine development, origin of virus and viral pathogenesis.

Several intresting concepts on SARS-Co V-2 and COVID-19 have been found in the past few days on the evolutionary reservoir, possible intermediate host and genomic sequence of SARS-Co V-2 and COVID-19. In this view of the urgent needs in prevention and control of SARS-Co V-2 and COVID-19, we highlight the most important research questions.

The 1^st question concerns how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted currently in the epicentre of Wuhan. In order to minimize the spreading of SARS-CoV-2, China has locked down Wuhan and nearby cities. The unprecedented control measures including suspension of urban transportation have been successful in preventing further spreading of SARS-CoV-2 to other cities.

The 2^nd question is how transmissible and pathogenic is SARS-CoV-2 in tertiary and quaternary spreading within humans. The answer to this is that if the transmission is weakened, the outbreak may ultimately come to an end at which SARS-CoV-2 is eradicated from humans.

The 3^rd question is related to the importance of asyptomatic and presymptomatic virus shedding in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Both asyptomatic and presymptomatic virus shedding posts a big challenge to infection control.

The 4^th question is realted to the importance of fecal-oral route in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In addition to transmission via droplets and close contact, fecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV has been shown to be important in certain circumstances.

The 5^th is concern with how COVID-19 should be diagnosed and what diagnostic reagents should be made available.

The 6^th question is concerned with how COVID-19 should be treated and what treatment options should be made available. It is a self-limiting disease in more than 80% of patients.

The 7^th question is whether inactivated vaccines are a viable option for SARS-CoV-2. Thus, the vaccine development becomes necessary for prevention and ultimate eradication of SARS-CoV-2.

The 8^th question is related to the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Two parental viruses of SARS-CoV-2 have been identified.

The 9^th questions is concered with why SARS-CoV-2 is less pathogenic. if the reduced pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 is the result of adaptation to humans, it will be of great importance to identify the molecular basis of this adaptation.

The discussion have the possibilities that the outbreak will unfold. If SARS-CoV-2 is not eliminated from humans through quarantine and other measures it can still be eradicated by vaccination.