INTRODUCTION TO CORONA VIRUS
INTRODUCTION TO CORONA VIRUS
AREEJ NADEEM
F2020231023
Ms. HINA BATOOL
TASK # 02
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first
identified in Wuhan, China in 2019, now a global pandemic affecting various populations
(Uddin and org/10.47363/JMHC/ 2020). COVID-19, a global disaster, shares RNA
similarities with bat coronaviruses. Spread through droplets, leading to lockdowns and
treatment trials. Pandemic impacts social, economic, health, and environmental aspects
significantly (Jain, Lamba et al. 2022). The virus primarily spreads through respiratory
droplets from infected individuals, with symptoms including fever, cough, fatigue, and
respiratory issues. COVID-19 has significantly impacted healthcare professionals, pregnant
women, the elderly, and young children, making them more susceptible to
complications(Kishor, Ramhari et al. 2020). Efforts to control the spread have included
lockdowns, medication treatments, and ongoing vaccine trials. The severity and types of
coronaviruses, along with recommended preventive measures like mask-wearing and
sanitization, are crucial aspects in understanding and combating the disease.
SARS-CoV-2 interacts with host proteins for translation, transcription, and replication. Key
steps include binding to host proteins like pseudouridine synthase PUS7 and undergoing post-
transcriptional modifications for viral RNA processing (Giambruno, Zacco et al. 2022).
SARS-CoV-2 utilizes p38β/MAPK11 in host cells to enhance viral replication post mRNA
expression, highlighting a potential target for novel COVID-19 therapies (Higgins, Nilsson-
Payant et al. 2023). The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NSP12 interacts with host
splicing factors, affecting virus entry, replication, and gene splicing (Yang, Zeng et al. 2024).
Furthermore, the nucleocapsid protein N of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with G3BP1, disrupting
stress granule formation and promoting viral infection(Yang, Johnson et al. 2023). These
interactions play key roles in the virus's life cycle, including translation, transcription, and
replication of its genetic material, highlighting potential targets for antiviral therapies.
The impacts of COVID-19 on health include increased mental suffering, fear, depression,
anxiety, and stress in pregnant women, along with difficulties in accessing prenatal care and
financial insecurities (Serafim, Zeferino et al. 2023). Individuals affected by rare diseases
faced challenges accessing healthcare services, leading to negative impacts on physical and
mental functioning, social participation, and financial stability (Zybarth, Brandt et al. 2023).
The pandemic significantly disrupted health services provision, affecting outpatient
departments, elective services, and emergency care, while also causing mental health
challenges for healthcare providers and seekers (Chauhan, Singh et al. 2023). Social service
providers faced difficulties in delivering care to sex-trafficked individuals, with increased
vulnerabilities, challenges in service provision, and reduced educational activities during the
pandemic (Recknor, Kelly et al. 2023). Additionally, the general population, including
healthcare workers, experienced a rise in mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and post-
traumatic stress, along with increased substance use and behavioral addictions (Bouza,
Arango et al. 2023).
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INTRODUCTION TO CORONA VIRUS
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has
had far-reaching impacts on global health, economies, and societies. Originating in Wuhan,
China, the virus quickly spread worldwide, leading to unprecedented measures such as
lockdowns, treatment trials, and vaccination efforts. Understanding the virus's interactions
with host proteins, its modes of transmission, and its impact on vulnerable populations is
crucial in combating the disease effectively. Moreover, the pandemic has highlighted
significant challenges in healthcare delivery, including disruptions to essential services and
increased mental health burdens on both healthcare providers and the general population.
Moving forward, addressing these challenges and continuing efforts to control the spread of
the virus remain paramount to mitigating its long-term effects on public health and society.
References:
Bouza, E., et al. (2023). "Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the
general population and health care workers." 36(2): 125.
Chauhan, A. S., et al. (2023). "The Health System’s Response to and the Impact of COVID-
19 on Health Services, Providers, and Seekers: A Rapid Review in the Wake of the
Pandemic." 3(8): 1106-1157.
Giambruno, R., et al. (2022). "Discovering host protein interactions specific for SARS-CoV-
2 RNA genome." 2022.2007. 2018.499583.
Higgins, C. A., et al. (2023). "SARS-CoV-2 hijacks p38β/MAPK11 to promote virus
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Jain, S., et al. (2022). Introduction to COVID-19. COVID-19 in the Environment, Elsevier:
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Kishor, R. S., et al. (2020). "Introduction to covid-19." 12(4): 338-345.
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Uddin, I. J. J. o. M. and H. S. J.-D. d. org/10.47363/JMHC/ (2020). "A Brief Introduction to
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INTRODUCTION TO CORONA VIRUS
Yang, Z., et al. (2023). "Interaction between host G3BP and viral nucleocapsid protein
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