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onsurfaces. The virus can remain viable on surfaces for days in favourable atmospheric conditions but are destroyed in less than a minute by common disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide etc. [13]. Infection is acquired either by inhalation of these droplets or touching surfaces contaminated by them and then touching the nose, mouth and eyes. The virus is also present in the stool and contamination of the water supply and subsequent transmission via aerosolization/feco oral route is also hypothesized [6]. As per current information, transplacental transmission from pregnant women to their fetus has not been described [14]. However, neonatal disease due to post natal transmission is described [14].
The incubation period varies from 2 to 14 d [median 5 d]. Studies have identified angiotensin receptor 2
Cases continued to increase exponentially and modelling studies reported an epidemic doubling time of
1.8 d [10]. In fact on the 12th of February, China changed its definition of confirmed cases to include patients with negative/ pending molecular tests but with clinical, radiologic and epidemiologic features of COVID-19 leading to an increase in cases by 15,000 in a single day [6]. As of 05/03/2020 96,000 cases worldwide (80,000 in China) and 87 other countries and 1 international conveyance (696, in the cruise ship Diamond Princess parked off the coast of Japan) have been reported [2]. It is important to note that while the number of new cases has reduced in China lately, they have increased exponentially in other countries including South Korea, Italy and Iran. Of those infected, 20% are in critical



possibility of 111isinterpretation could arise. However, in another case study, the authors raised concerns over the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine­ azithromyci n in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, since no observable effect was seen when they were used. In some cases, the treatn1ent was discontinued due to the prolongation of the QT interval (307). Hence, further rando1nized clinical trials are required before concluding this 1natter.
Recently, another FDA-approved drug, ivermectin, was reported to inhibit the zn vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2. The findings fr0111 this study indicate that a single treat1nent of this drug was able to induce an -5,000-fold reduction in the viral RNA at 48 h in cell culture. (308). One of the 1nain disadvantages that li1nit the clinical utility of ivermectin is its potential to cause cytotoxicity. However, altering the vehicles used m the forn1ulations, the pharmacokinetic properties can be 1nodified, thereby having significant control over the syste1nic concentration of ivennectin (338). Based on the phannacokinetic si1nulation, it was also found that ivennectin 1nay have li1nited therapeutic utility in managing COVID-19, since the inhibitory concentration that has to be achieved for effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity is far higher than the

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coronavirus results in an epiden1ic by ju111ping the so-called species barrier (287).
The host spectru1n of coronavirus increased when a novel coronavin1s, na111ely, SW], was recognized in the liver tissue of a captive beluga whale (Delphinapterus Leucas) (138). In recent decades, several novel coronaviruses were identified frorn different ani1nal species. Bats can harbor these viruses without 1nanifesting any clinical disease but are persistently infected (30). They are the only mammals with the capacity for self-powered flight, which enables them to migrate long distances, unlike land 1nmn1nals. Bats are distributed worldwide and also account for about a fifth of a11 1na1n1nalian species (6). This 1nakes the1n the ideal reservoir host for 1nany viral agents and also the source of novel coronaviruses that have yet to be identified. It has become a necessity to study the diversity of coronavirus in the bat population to prevent future outbreaks that could jeopardize livestock and public health. The repeated outbreaks caused by bat-origin coronaviruses ca11s for the develop1nent of efficient 1nolecular surveillance strategies for studying Betacoronavirus a1nong ani1nals (12), especially in the Rhinolophus bat fainily (86). Chinese bats have high com1nercial value, since they are used in

there has been concern regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2/COVTD-19 on pregnancy. Researchers have 1nentioned the probability of in utero trans1nission of novel SARS-CoV-2 fr01n COVID- 19-infected 111others to their neonates in China based upon the rise in IgM and lgG antibody levels and cytokine values in the blood obtained from newborn infants immediately postbirth; however, RT-PCR failed to confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic 1naterial in the infants (283). Recent studies show that at least in so1ne cases, pretenn delivery and its consequences are associated with the virus. Nonetheless, so1ne cases have raised doubts for the likelihood of vertical transmission (240-243).

COVID-19 infection was associated with pnemnonia, and some developed acute respiratory distress syndr01ne (ARDS). The blood bioche1nistry indexes, such as albu1nin, lactate dehydrogenase, C­ reactive protein, ly1nphocytes (percent), and neutrophils (percent) give an idea about the disease severity in COVID-19 infection (121). During COVID-19, patients may present leukocytosis, leukopenia with lyn1phopenia (244), hypoalbuminemia, and an increase of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transa1ninase, alanine a1ninotransferase, bilirubin, and, especially, D-di1ner