Coronavirus: An emerging and future challenge for dental clinicians

ABSTRACT

The first case of pneumonia of unknown origin was identified in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province situated in the Republic of China. The pathogenic organism that has been identified as a causative organism is a novel enveloped RNA betacoronavirus which has been designated as' severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus- 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus has been found to have a similar phylogeny to SARS-CoV. The novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 can be symptomized through clinical manifestations like- Pyrexia or fever, Cough, Dyspnea/difficulty in breathing, Myalgia/muscle pain, and constant fatigue. In the later stages, these symptoms worsen leading to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. These days, this pandemic is emerging as a major threat for dental health-care professionals. The dental surgeons are at greater risk of novel coronavirus infections due to direct contact with infected patients and exposure to contaminated blood, saliva, and other body fluids. This article deals with viral structure, clinical symptoms, and modes of transmission, recommended measures to prevent its spread in dental operatories.