Latest updates on novel Covid-19 virus Outbreak and Its Genomic Characterization

The main source of Covid-19 pandemic is Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2);belongs to beta-coronavirus genus and first case of coronavirus was revealed in Wuhan city of China in 2019. In severe cases there is high occurrence of multiple organ dysfunctions, elevated d-dimer levels, oxygen saturation rate is less than 94. SARS COV2 genome consisting of M(Membrane), N(Nucleocapsid), S(Spike), ORF (Open Reading Frame) and E(Envelope) genes that encodes the structural proteins like M, N, S and E gene. Open reading frame (ORF) are largely non-structural accessory proteins in genes. M gene is an integral membrane protein that are responsible for the virus's shapes, encourage membrane curvature and involve in the attachment to the envelope proteins like E, S, and HE as well as with the nucleocapsid or in the formation of intracellular virus without the involvement of S protein. N gene encodes nucleocapsid protein which is structural protein responsible for various cell activities, replication and transcription, used for diagnostic purposes on the basis of primer and probe sequencing. Whereas, S gene is responsible for pathogenesis, producing host immune response by their antigenic property and neutralizing antibodies to protect from infectivity. In this review we summarized background, clinical symptoms, pathological features and genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2. Previously known coronavirus intermediate host was cat and giraffe whereas SARS-CoV-2 host is currently unknown. We recapitulate the current knowledge of structural and non-structural genes of coronavirus. On the surface of S gene there is a receptor called ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) where virus binds and entered into the cell. We also discuss the vaccines that are used to reduce mortality and morbidity rate of viral infection. But the duration of immunity induced by vaccine is still unknown

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Risk Assessment of Frontline Healthcare Professionals Related To Covid-19 in Lahore

Novel Coronavirus is the causative agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) in human. At present, in the outbreak of the novel corona virus (COVID-19), the Health care professionals (HCPs) are frontline workers who directly exposed to covid-19 patients. So, it is of great importance to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, practice and risk assessment of healthcare workers (HCWs) associated with the outbreak. A cross-sectional study involving doctors, dentists and nurses who work in public and private hospitals was conducted. A total 55 matters questionnaire based on WHO (world Health organization) risk assessment was shared with the participants. Total 1073 participants were included in the survey. Out of 1073 participants 53.4% n=573 were male and 46.6% n= 500 were female. HCWs have a good knowledge, attitude, practice and risk assessment 15.82 +/- 3.47, 14.35 +/- 1.71, 11.10 +/- 1.66 and 8.25 +/- 1.09 respectively but 61.7% HCWs not well known about the knowledge of symptom to COVID-19. Kruskal-Wallis independent sample test showed significant p-value (<0.05) in the attitude, practices and risk assessment among HCWs. Spearman's rho correlation shows significant correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=.069, p < 0.05) and significant correlation between attitude and practice (r=.218, p < 0.01). Further investigation and follow-up to the disaster management and risk assessment can help the policy makers to improve the management of future outbreaks.