ABSTRACT
Introduction: Diagnostic tests to detect the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are still evolving. It is important to understand the peculiarities of these methods for the correct interpretation of the results. The gold standard for diagnosis is the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out throughout the US National Library of Medicine with the PubMed search engine for articles published during the year 2020 that contained the terms SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and RT-PCR. Development: The targets used for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 genome by real-time RT-PCR are found in the regions of viral RNA: ORF1a, RdRp, N, S and E. The samples recommended for the diagnosis are those of the upper respiratory tract such as nasopharyngeal exudate. Recent studies have reported positive patients by RT-PCR days or weeks after recovery and having had previous negative results. It is not clear whether this phenomenon is a test error, reinfection, or reactivation. Conclusions: The most efficient strategy to confirm COVID-19 should combine the results of real-time RT-PCR with clinical and epidemiological data. Therefore, the application of the clinical method is the cornerstone in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection even in the times of molecular biology. © 2020, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The characteristics of the immune responses against SARS-COV-2 and the adequate treatments are still to be demonstrated on a scientific basis;however they must necessarily present common elements with similar virus infections that have already been characterized. Methods: A bibliographic review was performed in the US National Library of Medicine through the PubMed search engine for articles published during the year 2020 with the terms SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 plus immunology. Information analysis and synthesis: The first line of defense against SARS-COV-2 is innate immunity, which includes the production of antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines. As part of adaptive immunity, specific CD8+ T cells lyse infected cells, and CD4+ T cells promote the production of specific antibodies against the virus by cooperating in the activation of B lymphocytes. Multiple clinical trials are underway with treatments that enhance some of the innate or adaptive mechanisms and others are based on controlling the deleterious actions of immune responses. Conclusions: The immunological aspects involved in SARS-CoV-2 virus infection are essential to achieve comprehensive medical care that includes the prevention of COVID-19, as well as adequate curative treatment and rehabilitation of patients. © 2020, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.