COVID 19 – Laboratory Scenario

Abstract

Coronavirus is an  RNA virus, positive stranded, and enveloped was first isolated in 1965, can cause symptoms like common cold, severe respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal, liver and CNS symptoms. WHO announced the original name of coronavirus as COVID 19 in December 2019. This virus has been named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome cov 2 currently and WHO has now declared this virus as emergency of public health concern. More than seventy thousand people in China and 25 other countries have been infected. The confirmed cases of Covid 19 Infection, up to 14th April, 2020 in India were 11,487 and out of which 393 have been deceased and most number of cases were found to be confirmed in Maharashtra (2,684). Animals like camels, cattles, cats, bats probably serve as hosts for coronavirus. Various laboratory investigations like CBC, Real Time-PCR, D-dimer levels, cell culture, electron microscopy, Low platelet count, ESR, CRP levels, Chest CT, X ray, Liver and Kidney Function tests, SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment) score have been useful in diagnosing the causative agent. Since no antiviral treatment has been effective till now, so the transmission can be slowed down by preventive measures like self quarantine, isolation, maintaning distance from one another and use of personal equipments.