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COVID-19

[COVID-19 is not virus, instead it is the name of a disease]

The coronavirus that causes the disease that come by the name of COVID-19 in humans is called SARS-CoV-2 (Full name: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2)

[Coronavirus Family – Coronaviridae]

Coronaviruses are a group of RNA viruses, and they have distinctive and large club-shaped spike proteins on the surface. The characteristic appearance of spike proteins looks similar as a crown, which in Latin it is known as “corona”, hence the name “coronavirus” was created. The subfamily Coronavirinae is subdivided into four genera which include Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus and lastly Deltacoronavirus. Amongst these four genera, there are a lot of viruses are capable of infecting humans, mammals, avian and even marine mammals. SARS-CoV-2 is a type of betacoronavirus, the average incubation period in human lasts five to six days, the period may even last up to 14 days. 

[Other members of Coronaviridae] 

Currently, it is known that other than SARS-CoV-2, there are another six types of coronavirus that are competent of infecting humans such as

#SARS: The notorious SARS-CoV outbreaks that had caused global panic in 2003. 

#MERS: MERS-CoV outbreaks that arose in Middle East regions and Korea in 2014 and 2015. 

Humans are also susceptible to the remaining four types of coronaviruses include HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1. They are also associated with the clinical symptom of cold. 

[Clinical Symptoms of Coronavirus]

When one being infected by coronavirus, the symptoms shown mainly related to respiratory symptoms like having runny nose and coughing. However, one would show more severe symptoms when they are infected by SARS, MERS or COVID-19 for instance pneumonitis, respiratory depression or even will lead to death. To a greater extent, there are several cases of those infected by COVID-19 showed symptoms of feeling sore and losing olfactory sensation as well as gustation. 

[Route of Transmission]

Origin of Virus

Unfortunately, the complete route of transmission of COVID-19 remains unclear. Even though it was discovered that in the early stages of the epidemic, the infected people had direct exposure to the Huanan Seafood Market in addition to the samples collected from the market concluded COVID-19 positive, the source of infection and transmission route remain uncertain. 

Transmission of Virus

#Droplets. Studies discovered that close contact droplets, direct or indirect contact of virus infected oral and nasal secretion with conjunctiva, or even staying in an enclosed space that is no larger than 2 meters with infected patients without any protection would increase the risk of person-to-person transmission. 

#Fecal. Infectious COVID-19 was discovered in feces when fecal test was performed in infected people hence it may also be one of the possible transmission routes. 

[Other Transmission Routes]

Is it possible for the virus to be transmitted through food? How about the parcel we received from overseas? 

#Transmission through food 

For the time being, we know that the possibility of transmission of virus through food is low. This is because the virus would be eliminated when the food is thoroughly cooked. 

#Transmission through parcels

It is known that more and more people would choose to purchase using internet platforms like Shopee and Taobao in recent years, thus it became a concern for people about the safety of these parcels. On different types of surfaces, the duration of COVID-19 to survive would vary. For example, COVID-19 is able to stay on the surface of plastic and stainless steel for 72 hours. On the other side, the time for COVID-19 stay on copper surface only lasts up to 4 hours. As for parcels and mail, they are unable to survive for long. 

As for now, there is no evidence prove that the virus is able to transmit through parcels and mail. 

Sources of Information: 衛生福利部疾病管制署、WHO：Q&As on COVID-19 and related health topics

 

 

[Current Methods of COVID-19 Detection]

Viral Nucleic Acid Detection

This detection would examine if there are any segments of viral gene in the collected respiratory samples. If the test came out as positive, it may indicate that it is either before or after the onset or the patient is in the course of infection. RT-PCR is one of the common methods as this method is very straightforward and highly sensitive meaning that it is able to detect even if the titre of virus in the sample is small. 

Viral Culture

Similarly as the previous test, by using the respiratory samples, culture them in cells in the laboratory and observe them every day. If the virus has caused cytopathic change, viral nucleic acid test would be performed to confirm if the virus is SARS-CoV-2. If the test is positive, meaning the patient’s body has living virus indicating that he or she is in a state of infection. 

PS: Viral nucleic acid detection only able to detect gene segment of the specific virus whether it is a dead or a live virus. Hence, it is impossible to confirm if the person is really being infected or the sample was contaminated. To improve accuracy, the result of viral nucleic acid detection should confirm along with the result of viral culture. 

Viral Antigen Detection 

By using synthetic antibody to test if there are any viral antigens within the respiratory antigen. A positive sign indicates that the patient is infected. However, the sensitivity of this test is lower than the viral nucleic acid detection’s, meaning that if the test might unable to detect if the amount of virus is too little. Even so, this test only requires a shorter detection time when compared with other tests. Thus, it would greatly benefit the epidemic prevention if the sensitivity can be increased. 

Virus Antibody Detection 

In contrast with the previous test, this test uses synthetic antigen to detect if there are antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 in the blood. A positive result signifies the patient is in the middle of being infected or used to be infected. Out of the four tests we mentioned, this is the only test that is able to test patient that has recovered from the infection. However, our body takes around 5 to 7 days to produce antibodies after being infected, so if we take the test too early it may give us a false negative result. 

[SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Animals]

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it is not suggested to perform routine COVID-19 testing on animals. However due to the current epidemic situation, it may be necessary to test some of the animals. 

With regards to news about animals being infected by COVID-19, a positive result does not mean that this animal has been infected. It may also indicate that the animal might have swallowed or lick thus picked up the virus accidentally from the environment or from the infected people. Hence, it is important for us to use different methods to confirm if the animal really got infected or not. 

[Common Detection Methods for Animals]

Viral Nuclei Acid Detection 

Basically, the concept of this detection is the same as human’s. It is possible to estimate the amount of virus within the specimen by using quantitative RT-PCR, thus it may help to distinguish whether it is completely infected or it is contaminated. However, more data is required to confirm the advantage mentioned. 

  • Why is RT-PCR being used?

This is because the time needed for inspection is short hence allow us to be able to implement countermeasures immediately. In order to minimize the spread of epidemic, RT-PCR results are often used to deal with animals or substances that possess the risk of transmission as soon as possible. The “deal with” phrase in the previous sentence means in order to prevent subsequent spread of infection, any substance or animal that have even a tiny possibility of possessing the risk of transmission, it would be regarded as infected and being handled properly. Even though by the end of the day the result from viral isolation shows it is negative, we would only confirm it is being contaminated and not being infected. 

PS: Contamination is defined as the sample or specimen collected may have been “touched” by secretion that contains virus or any particulates that flew to animal body or in contact with the animals, it is not considered as an infection. 

Viral Isolation 

The gene sequence of the virus strain isolated from the specimen is compared with other isolates of SARS-CoV-2. Positive results indicates the animal is being infected, while negative means the patient is either not being infected or the virus titer is too little or used to be infected and the virus has been cleared from the body.

Viral Antibody Detection 

Same concept as human’s detection method.  

Sources of Information: <SARS-CoV-2 in animals>AVMA、<【檢驗小百科】超前部署（Preemptive Actions）～淺談新型冠狀肺炎檢測方法>臺大醫院健康電子報

[Aspects of Viral Prevention]

We believe that everyone had been hearing of these few dos and don’ts for preventing coronavirus almost everywhere such as keeping social distances, wearing masks, washing hands frequently, avoid contact with wild animals and others. 

If in the future, there happened to be a day of us no longer have masks to block the viruses in droplets, we could use our own clothing to replace the masks, as long as we are able to cover our mouth and nose. 

The main factor that causes COVID-19 outbreak is “asymptomatic transmission”, the key transmission route is neither through sneezing nor coughing, instead it is through the droplets of humans containing the virus drifting through the air. 

In actuality, the main molecule blocked by the mask is not the virus but the minute particulates that carry the virus.

The effectiveness of any type of impediment chiefly depends on the diameter, the smaller the diameter the more effective the shielding object is. However, the most fundamental prevention method is still keeping a safe social distance. 

[About Livestock Products]

For the time being, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) is monitoring the infection status of animals and analyzing the possibility of animal products transmitting the virus actively. According to the current assessment, no precaution is required to be taken, we only need to ensure that the packaging is clean and free from contamination. 

The only trading that requires distinctive attention is the trading of wild animals. Although the infection of wild animals has yet to be confirmed, it is suggested to adopt a four-don’ts-policy:

  1. Do not touch wild animals and keep a safe distance from them 
  2. Do not feed wild animals and do not get in contact with their excrement 
  3. Do not ingest game meat from unknown sources
  4. Do not approach sick or dead animals, and inform the relevant units immediately 

​[Dawn of Mankind? Vaccine the savior is here for the rescue!]

One of the most salient part of preventing epidemics is the usage of vaccines. One is able to strengthen immunity after vaccination thus enabling he or she to fight against the virus when being exposed to the virus. Four sets of related vaccines from United States entered the phase III clinical trial as of October of 2020. At the same time, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborates with various health units with the goal of launching the vaccines as soon as possible. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) is monitoring the infection status of animals by COVID-19 and the development of vaccine is in progress as well. 

Source of Information: <Questions and Answers on COVID-19> OIE、<Can wild animals spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to people or pets?> CDC、<What the data say about wearing face masks> Lynne Peeples

[The Astounding Effect of Vaccines: The Messenger who Notifies you Promptly]

When one being infected by a virus, the body would activate the immune system and produce specific antibody to fight against the virus. However, our body requires some time to manufacture the specific antibody, so if a patient is unable to withstand the virus infection, he or she may die before the antibodies are being produced. 

The function of vaccine is to stimulate and activate the immune system timely before one is exposed to the real virus, galvanizing the body to produce antibodies. Hence, when one is exposed to the real virus, the body is able to react faster, decreasing the window period and decreasing the mortality. 

You could think it as the vaccine teaches our body how does the “bad guy” look like and cause the immune system to ready the weapons readily. So, our body able to react quickly and attack immediately when the villain appears. 

[Cultivation of Vaccine: The Savior being born under Meticulous and Complicated Procedures]

Antigen Identification -> Vaccine Design -> Clinical Trials -> Quality Control

The “Clinical Trials” mentioned above requires to undergo three phases process. In the last phase, the vaccine would be given to thousands of people to be tested for safety and efficacy. It can be seen from here that before a type of vaccine can be mass-produced and being launch to the market, it has to go through many tests. 

This is why a vaccine for COVID-19 has yet to be launched, as the side effect caused by vaccine may affect the health and life of humans greatly. 

The good news is currently the United States is accelerating the speed to producing vaccines. There are already four sets of vaccines entered phase III of clinical trials as of October of 2020. Let’s hope that the vaccines can be launched as soon as possible thus controlling the epidemic. 

[History of Vaccines: The History of Vaccines of Coronavirus Family]

The pioneer of vaccines has always been the goal of many scientists since the discovery of SARS in 2003 and MERS in 2015. In spite of that, until now the vaccine for SARS still yet to be launched, as for the vaccine for MERS, the vaccine clinical development still stuck in the phase I of the clinical trial. In reality, the research and development of virus vaccines is challenging, scientists have to learn from their previous attempts continuously to be able to control the pandemic more efficiently in the future. 

[About the Vaccine Shot]

Question: Is there any alternatives before the vaccine of COVID-19 is launched?

Answer: No. Until now there is no vaccine that is able to prevent COVID-19. Even though the clinical symptom is similar to influenza’s, the vaccine of influenza virus is unable to prevent COVID-19. However, during this pandemic, administering the flu vaccine still able to avoid predicament of being infected by both influenza virus and COVID-19 concurrently. 

Question: Do one still need to administer the vaccine after recovering from COVID-19?

Answer: The current research has not indicated the actual the duration of protective period provided by the vaccine. Therefore, there is still no definite evidence showing that should one administer the vaccine or not. 

[Correct methods to prevent disease]

  • Maintaining social distance and wearing mask to decrease the possibility of contracting the virus 
  • Vaccines are able to improve immunity

Performing these two methods concurrently provide the best protection against the epidemic. 

In addition, even though when the vaccine is being launched to the market successfully, it is impossible to produce enough amount to meet the demand right away. Thus, the administration of vaccine should be given to critically ill patients and those around them. When the amount of vaccine is sufficient only then everyone is able to receive the vaccine administration. 

Therefore, whether a vaccine is available or not, the most important way of protecting against the pandemic is by performing accurate preventative measures. 

Sources of Information: <COVID-19 Vaccines> FDA、<Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccination> CDC

A COVID-19 outbreak happened in a mink farm situated in Netherlands, anyone who had contact with any of the minks presented symptoms of COVID-19, resulting in the news of staffs being infected by the minks to promulgate almost immediately. 

Almost immediately, similar outbreaks happened in Netherlands also occurred in countries like Spain and Denmark. On August 25th of 2020, National Veterinary Services Laboratories of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA NVSL) confirmed that there were two mink farms in Utah being diagnosed with COVID-19, which are the first confirmed cases in the United States. In addition, nearly 10,000 of minks died unexpectedly due to being infected by the same virus, consequently caused nine fur farms to be quarantined. 

[Origin of COVID-19 – Decoding SARS-CoV-2]

Here’s an easy question for everyone, when one wishes to open a door, what do we need? Yes, all we need is a key! We could apply this theory upon the method of viruses use to invade host’s body. 

Steps required for the viruses to invade host’s body :

  1. Obtaining a Key: Spike proteins on the surface of virus 
  2. Finding the suitable Door of the host: Receptors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) that can be bound with 
  3. The Keyhole of the Door: A segment of protein which comes by the name of 353-KGDR-357 of ACE2

By meeting these aforementioned requirements, only then SARS-CoV-2 able to infect either humans or animals.

Here comes the question, is it true that COVID-19 is able to be transmitted to dogs and cats?

After comparing the ACE2 of different species including humans, canines, felines, minks and tigers, it was concluded that there were some segments of ACE2 of felines, canines and minks similar with humans’. Other than that, there are case studies on both experimental inoculation and naturally infected with COVID-19 are proven that owners infected by COVID-19 are capable of transmitting the virus to their pets, especially felines and minks and their susceptibility of getting infected is higher than canines. Thus, SARS-CoV-10 has been confirmed to be newly emerged zoonotic disease. 

[Is it possible for the infected companion animals to transmit the virus back to humans?]

According to scientific evidences provided by different countries, the main transmission route of COVID-19 still remains as person-to-person transmission, the risk of canines and felines transmitting the virus to their owners remains low. It is important for us to emphasize that whenever there is any news being published, be sure to seek clarification from the professionals to prevent any misfortune occurred on our companion animals caused by any kinds of misunderstandings. 

[The relation between COVID-19 and veterinarians]

Although we have yet to corroborate the exact way of COVID-19 being transmitted to human, however, after comparing the gene sequences of the virus, it was discovered that the gene sequence is similar to the coronavirus founded in bats. Currently, countless experiments are being conducted to gather knowledge about the susceptibility of different types of species towards COVID-19 and also to evaluate the infection dynamics of the susceptible species. Veterinarians play a very significant role in this challenging task as they require to work together in different procedures and integrate with their professional knowledge to provide the most accurate information to the animal caretakers, assisting with the invention of vaccines and anti-viral medications, to increase the chances for humanity to win against COVID-19. 

Sources of information: Mink pass coronavirus to humans in the Netherlands、USDA Confirms SARS-CoV-2 in Mink in Utah、The Guardian：Nearly 10,000 mink dead from Covid-19 outbreak at Utah fur farms、Takuma Hayashi, Kaoru Abiko, Masaki Mandai, Nobuo Yaegashi & Ikuo Konishi.Highly conserved binding region of ACE2 as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 between humans and mammals, Veterinary Quarterly, 40:1, 243-249, DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2020.1823522, 2020