ABSTRACT
Due to the massive impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide, the accurate and early diagnosis and isolation of infected individuals remains the main way of rapidly curtailing the extension of the disease. The increasing incidence of mutations in the virus RNA sequence represents the principal challenge for the use of molecular approaches for COVID-19 diagnosis. Additionally, because severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads differently to that of its Coronaviridae counterparts, unconventional strategies and diagnostic algorithms must be utilized and comprehensively expanded. Therefore, in this study, we sought to conduct a detailed in-depth investigation using many scientific interfaces to i) determine the fastest, most cost-effective, and most comprehensive diagnostic techniques, and ii) identify the proper specimens used for SARS-CoV-2 detection. To accomplish that, we reviewed previous studies investigated for the diagnosis of COVID-19. These strategies are organized to help health professionals and policymakers to quickly choose and apply the appropriate diagnostic approaches.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 spreads abnormally compared to its counterparts in the same family "beta-coronaviruses". Today, we count more than 130 million affected humans affected by the COVID-19. Therefore, the study of means of prevention and treatment is an urgent need. Interestingly, the novel virus (SARS-CoV-2) has some similarities with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. It is known that heterologous immunity is well recognized within species of the same family. The use of previously recognized effective antibodies for SARS and MERS virus may prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to compare between SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 genomic and proteomic identity/similarity and their cross-immunity as well as their immunological features in the context of COVID-19 diseases prevention and treatment methods.
ABSTRACT
Background: Seeking medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic became a controversial issue due to increased vulnerability and fear of being infected (COVID-19). There is a lack of empirical evidence about factors associated with avoiding medical visits during the first wave of the pandemic in KSA. Therefore, this study aims to determine the rate of avoiding medical visits and associated factors during the first wave of the pandemic in KSA. Methods: 754 participants from various KSA regions responded to an online survey questionnaire that collected data on background variables, testing and diagnosis with COVID-19, chronic medical conditions, and presence of symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to assess the predictive role of various factors in avoiding medical care. Results: More than half (55%) of the participants avoided medical visits during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic due to fear of catching the infection. Females and married were more likely (OR=1.46;95% CI: 1.09-1.95) and (OR=1.41;95% CI: 1.04-1.92) to avoided medical visits than males and unmarried, respectively. Participants who tested or diagnosed for COVID-19 were less likely to avoid medical visits (OR=0.58;95% CI: 0.39-0.88) and (OR=0.47;95% CI: 0.26-0.85) respectively. Respondents with and without chronic medical conditions were equally likely to avoid medical care (p>.05). Those who reported symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression were more likely to avoid medical despite when it was needed (OR=1.62;95% CI: 1.19-2.19);(OR=1.66;95% CI: 1.22-2.26) and (OR=1.40;95% CI: 1.04-1.87) respectively. Conclusions: Public health campaigns should emphasize the importance of visiting health centers;and normalize psychological reactions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate the negative impact on health status. Health system should also be prepared to accommodate the consequences of delayed health visits.
ABSTRACT
Background: People's perception about access to resources is an important determinant of their trust to deal with challenge. There is a lack of research about role of perceived access to information in psychological reactions during pandemics. Objective: The purpose of the research was to examine the role of perceived access to information in determining quality of life and psychological responses during pandemics. Method: Data for this study came from an online crosssectional survey conducted during COVID-19 outbreak. The sample comprised of 754 participants from various regions of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The survey questionnaire obtained data on socio-demographic profile, participants' ratings about positive or negative impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on access to information. The distress is measured through subscales of depression, anxiety and stress on DASS- 21. Statistical analysis of data was carried out to determine the nature of association between access to information with distress during pandemic. Results: About three quarter (74.7%) of the respondents perceived not enough health information toward the COVID- 19 pandemic. Participants diagnosed with COVID-19 had significant positive correlation with access to health information, while faith had negative correlation. Access to information had significantly positive correlation with Quality of Life and positive psychological responses. Conclusions: The impact of pandemic on access to information was largely considered negative and associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety and stress. Findings have significant implications, which demonstrate improving access to information not only crucial for infection control but also mitigate the psychological costs of such pandemics.