A concise review of major challenges in the vaccination, diagnosis and treatment of novel coronavirus disease 2019

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran;

2 Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran

3 Department of Biotechnology, School of Advance Technologies in Medicine Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran

10.22092/ari.2024.364276.2957

Abstract

The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide. An efficient strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic includes the rapid recognition of patients and vaccination using accurate and reliable methods. Various diagnostic methods such as CT scan, serology and molecular methods have been applied for the COVID-19 diagnosis. Moreover, various vaccines and antiviral drugs or immunotherapies have been utilized to combat the virus. This is particularly important for COVID-19 patients at high risk of serious consequences. Various challenges in the prognosis, diagnosis, vaccination and treatment of COVID-19 include variability in disease severity, emerging variants, individual factors and immune responses, co-infections and complications, limited long-term data, psychological and social factors, availability and accessibility, tests sensitivity and specificity, variability in symptoms, mild or asymptomatic cases, limited specific antiviral options, clinical heterogeneity, lack of universal treatment protocol, overwhelmed healthcare systems, management of severe cases, long-term effects and post-COVID syndrome, vaccine hesitancy, global cooperation and vaccine production capacity. This article describes the latest challenges and achievements in the prognosis, diagnosis, vaccination and therapy of COVID-19. The consult with reliable sources such as national health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) is crucial to obtain the latest information on COVID-19 vaccination, including eligibility, availability, and recommended protocols in any specific region. The treatment options and strategies continue to evolve. Healthcare professionals and researchers are working diligently to address therapy challenges and improve outcomes for individuals affected by COVID-19. Randomized clinical studies designed to identify the most appropriate and proven treatment are essential both to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 and to prevent the prevalence of any pandemic in the future.

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