Overview of coronaviruses

vaya a nuestro tema completo sobre Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

An acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[3]Coronaviridae Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. The species severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus: classifying 2019-nCoV and naming it SARS-CoV-2. Nat Microbiol. 2020 Apr;5(4):536-44. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-020-0695-z http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32123347?tool=bestpractice.com ​ The clinical presentation is generally that of a respiratory infection with a symptom severity ranging from a mild common cold-like illness, to a severe viral pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome that is potentially fatal. Symptoms may be persistent and continue for more than 12 weeks in some patients. It was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, on 31 December 2019. In May 2023, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

vaya a nuestro tema completo sobre Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

An acute viral respiratory tract infection caused by the novel betacoronavirus MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.[4]Zaki AM, van Boheemen S, Bestebroer TM, et al. Isolation of a novel coronavirus from a man with pneumonia in Saudi Arabia. N Engl J Med. 2012 Nov 8;367(19):1814-20. https://www.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1211721 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23075143?tool=bestpractice.com Cases have been limited to the Arabian Peninsula and its surrounding countries, and to travelers from the Middle East or their contacts. The case fatality rate globally is approximately 36%.[5]World Health Organization. MERS situation update, August 2025. Sep 2025 [internet publication]. https://www.emro.who.int/health-topics/mers-cov/mers-outbreaks.html ​ The majority of patients present with fever and respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, dyspnea); however, some patients may present with gastrointestinal symptoms only (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain). Epidemic potential is considered low at present unless the virus mutates.

vaya a nuestro tema completo sobre Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

A viral pneumonia that rapidly progresses to respiratory failure caused by SARS-CoV.[6]Christian MD, Poutanen SM, Loutfy MR, et al. Severe acute respiratory syndrome. Clin Infect Dis. 2004 May 15;38(10):1420-7. https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/38/10/1420/345616 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15156481?tool=bestpractice.com ​ It was first identified in the Guangdong province of Southern China in 2002. The epidemic affected 26 countries and resulted in 8096 cases and 774 deaths in 2003.[7]World Health Organization. Summary of probable SARS cases with onset of illness from 1 November 2002 to 31 July 2003. Jul 2015 [internet publication]. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/summary-of-probable-sars-cases-with-onset-of-illness-from-1-november-2002-to-31-july-2003 ​ There have been no reported cases since 2004. The typical febrile response may be absent in older patients, who may present with malaise, loss of appetite, delirium, or even an episode of a fall with an associated fracture.[8]Hui DS, Chan MC, Wu AK, et al. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS): epidemiology and clinical features. Postgrad Med J. 2004 Jul;80(945):373-81. https://academic.oup.com/pmj/article/80/945/373/7033890 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15254300?tool=bestpractice.com ​ Infants and children present with milder symptoms and associated rhinorrhea in 50% of cases. The case fatality rate is approximately 10% and death usually occurs due to severe respiratory failure.