Abstract

Dr. P. Isakki Rajan*

ABSTRACT

Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a newly discovered contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)–coronavirus (CoV)-2 virus, primarily manifesting as an acute respiratory illness with interstitial and alveolar pneumonia, but it can affect multiple organs.[54] This infection has the potency to spread rapidly and cause pandemic. The human corona virus was first invented by Tyrrell and Bynoe in 1965 from human tracheal samples. The virus was named as B814, 229E, hamre’s virus and oc by its inventor at different places at same time. It is a large RNA virus, made up several proteins like S proteins, E proteins, M proteins and N proteins. Corona virus develops inside the cytoplasm. The SARS CoV – 2 shows periodicity and can cause large epidemics. SARS CoV 2 has been identified as a bat origin CoV. The corona virus is responsible for 15% of adult common cold. The first covid -19 case was reported in 30th December 2019. The WHO declared this condition as Global health emergency on 30th January 2020. The mean incubation period for COVID 19 is 5.2 days. The disease is highly contagious. The case fatality rate is 2.2%. It is transmitted commonly through air borne droplets during sneezing, coughing. The corona virus enters into the cell by binding to the cellular proteins especially ACE 2 receptor with the help of host serine protease TMPRSS2. The development of the immunity against the pathogen takes over 1 to 2 weeks. The common pathology is cytokine storm that results in ARDS and MODS. COVID 19 infection can be asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe. Blood investigation shows lymphopenia, increased level of inflammatory markers. CT Chest and KUB shows characteristic changes. The recovery rate is 97 to 99.5%. Following social distancing, personal hygiene is must to control the pandemic. Restrictions for performing elective procedures, in order to divert the resources available to tackle the pandemic situation have major impact over the surgical diseases. COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in Global recession. COVID 19 pandemic made us to think innovatively like contactless interfaces, telemedicine and organizing digital events.