key: cord-0998822-pbl4oprr
authors: McFee, R.B.
title: Emerging pathogens and COVID-19: A brief introduction
date: 2020-07-11
journal: Dis Mon
DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2020.101048
sha: a7dd078b6f96fa518b7559c1d66d4880455bfc56
doc_id: 998822
cord_uid: pbl4oprr

nan

There is a section on the broad range of therapeutic approaches that hold promise to date, from repurposed antivirals, to hyperbaric therapy, with up to date research provided. Detailed discussions on specific organ systems especially vulnerable to COVID-19, such as the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary issues are presented. General management strategies as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), and other respected sources is provided along with testing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are fortunate to provide an excellent case study in preparedness and response by a well respected health care facility located in a large U.S. metroplex. From infrastructure development, resource management, treatment guidance and information on safe practices in personal protective equipment use, protecting health care workers, and optimizing delivery of care to patients under challenging circumstances are discussed.

Encouragingly to date much has been learned about COVID-19 illness. Our knowledge base is expanding in terms of highly pathogenic coronavirus virology and how COVID-19 impacts the immune response. The significant research into multiple therapeutic interventions has resulted in some early positive results. These will be discussed in the Therapeutics Section. Over these last several months biodrome and pathology of the disease is better understood, and there appear promising vaccine candidates on the horizon. Nevertheless, in spite of the fact COVID-19 continues to be aggressively studied these last six months, as of this writing there remain several important unknowns. These will be discussed as well.

The goal of this edition is to provide health care professionals with a useful overview of COVID-19, as well as the other highly pathogenic coronaviruses (SARS and MERS), the latter still causing sporadic cases of illness. The virology and pathophysiology, (focusing on the most common pulmonary and extrapulmonary illnesses reported) are critical to understand if we are to optimize medical management. A discussion of public health concerns, general response concepts, and other important considerations associated with this deadly pandemic will be discussed.

It is our intention to provide a comprehensive look at COVID-19, from preparedness considerations to guidance in treating potentially highly complex patients, and to concisely share the best science as of May -June 2020, recognizing medical information and new developments can emerge rapidly, especially as pertains to COVID-19, where unprecedented levels of global research, and collaboration across performance cultures is ongoing.

We dedicate this edition to the men and women in the health care professions, support roles, first responders, in essence all who work tirelessly to help their patients through the many challenges of COVID-19, as well as our patients, and their families.

World Health Organization COVID-19 Center Data www.who.int

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