Two Years of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (2019–2021): Structural Biology, Vaccination, and Current Global Situation
January 2022
in “
The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine
”
TLDR Continued vaccine and drug development is crucial due to new virus variants and regional infection spikes.
The document reviewed the structural biology of SARS-CoV-2, its interaction with human hosts, and the global response to the pandemic from 2019 to 2021. It highlighted the virus's rapid spread, the urgent need for effective vaccines, and the limited efficacy of existing drugs. The SARS-CoV-2 genome had unique mutations affecting its interaction with human ACE2 receptors, which were potential drug targets. Asymptomatic individuals significantly contributed to virus transmission, stressing the importance of early testing and quarantine. The pandemic severely impacted individuals with pre-existing health conditions and led to a 4.4% global economic downturn in 2020. Over 200 vaccine candidates were in development, with more than 2 billion doses administered by late 2021. Despite advancements, no specific drugs or fully efficient vaccines were available, and new variants like Delta and Omicron posed ongoing threats. The document emphasized the need for target-specific drugs and informed public health measures to manage the pandemic effectively.