Coronaviruses

Bats belong to the second-largest order in a number of species diversity within the Mammalia class, containing 21 families and more than 1300 species. It is estimated that more than 200 viruses from 28 families have been isolated or detected in 37 different bat genera, many of them related to emerging infectious diseases with the potential to cross species barriers and infect other animals. The group of coronaviruses (CoV) is one of these viruses, which includes CoVs that can cause serious diseases in humans and animals, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), swine acute diarrheal syndrome (SADS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some of the human and animal coronaviruses appear to be originated from bats. With the advent of new generation molecular techniques and increased surveillance of wild animal species, many new coronaviruses have been identified. The coronaviruses belong to the Nidovirales order and Coronaviridae family. The subfamily Coronavirinae is divided into four genera, Alphacoronavirus (alphaCoV), Betacoronavirus (betaCoV), Deltacoronavirus, and Gammacoronavirus. Since the first report of coronavirus in a Miniopterus pusillus bat, the coronavirus occurrence in a bats population of different regions in the world has been studied and, until now, both alphaCoV and betaCoV have been detected. The aim of this study was to perform a literature review regarding the detection of coronavirus (alphaCoV or betaCoV) in different bat species around the world and their immune response against coronavirus. This review reinforces the importance of these animals as hosts, reservoirs, or sources of viruses, including emerging viruses.

COVID-19, was detected in Israel in February 2020. The local government made decisions regarding the different aspects of crisis management, including hospitalization capacity, and each hospital was required to arrange its facilities accordingly to deal with the new threat and its regional impact. While hospitals in Israel are prepared for emergencies, especially trauma events, they still have to adapt according to the newly emerging threats. Ziv Medical Center (ZMC), located in Northern Israel, has long-standing experience with mass-casualty events, especially war situations. This gained experience had to be adapted to the pandemic needs. In turn, new management processes were developed to support the routine work of the hospital and to address the new needs of COVID-19 patients. This chapter presents the three major challenges posed by the new situation, i.e., protecting staff and patients from infection, tending to the medical needs of COVID-19 patients, and preserving routine hospital activities. The technical (new facilities) and managerial (decisionmaking process) adaptations required to manage the crisis, are detailed. Lessons learned include the need to define and optimally manage the “3 S”: Staff, Space, and Supply, to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the staff being the most critical resource for success.

COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2), has put the global health system into crisis. The complications of the disease include respiratory failure, proinflammatory, and thromboembolic presentations. It is being increasingly recognised that host response with the inflammatory and thrombotic state is responsible for the severity of the disease. Numerous studies are now showing that increased inflammatory markers like interleukin (IL) 6 portray a poor prognosis. Thrombo-embolic complications like pulmonary embolism also produce clinical deterioration in COVID 19. The management of the disease presently includes antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant therapy along with supportive care for respiratory complications. The therapeutic challenge is augmented due to the varied clinical presentations, rapid worsening, and lack of a clear understanding of the pathophysiology. The initial data regarding the treatment options are of low quality and are mostly from cohort analysis. Many randomised controlled trials (RCT) are ongoing, and the results from the RCTs will help in developing better treatment options. We discuss in this review the pathophysiology and mechanism behind the increased inflammation and thrombosis. We will also discuss the available therapeutics options and the recommendations of various guidelines regarding the management of the proinflammatory and thrombotic state. 

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has become a pandemic. In spite of several studies, the more time passes, the more symptoms are reported among COVID-19 patients. Surprisingly, numerous dermatological manifestations are also reported. This chapter focuses on the dermatological manifestations caused by COVID-19 infection. We overviewed and classified common and rare dermatological symptoms among COVID-19 patients and their pathophysiological mechanisms. We also discuss appropriate therapeutic management and attitudes, which may provide insights for dealing with similar cases in medical centers.

Significant findings have been obtained on the relationship between underlying cardiovascular disease and the severity of COVID-19 infection. Using plasma profiles of patients with COVID-19, biomarkers in circulation were also identified that varied depending on the patient's characteristics and disease. The purpose of this study is to review the sources that focus on circulating biomarkers of cardiopulmonary disorders. In addition to conventional biomarkers such as troponin, we consider data from new emerging biomarkers about their roles in the prognosis of severity, mortality in the hospital and effectiveness of treatment. Consideration of mechanisms associated with circulating biomarkers in various conditions associated with COVID-19 can provide broader tools for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of at-risk patients

This chapter presents an overview of pathology and pathogenesis in coronavirus infections in humans and animals based on literary data and our own experience, illustrated by numerous original images.