COVID-19: the current knowledge

The COVID-19 epidemic, caused by a new type of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, began in Wuhan, China in late 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 pandemic and granted the status of public health threat of international importance on 10th of March 2020. Virus transmission associated with aerosol production is the greatest risk at hospitals and in dental practices. Aim. The aim of the study was to review the literature regarding the current knowledge of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus, that caused coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Material and methods. A review of literature on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 infection has been performed since 1st January 2020. Results. The paper describes epidemiology and morphology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in relation to its cellular transmission and symptoms of COVID-19 with the influence of associated comorbidities. The spread of the infection, its prevention, personal protection and available treatment methods were also presented based on the existing literature and other available publications. Targeted pharmacological treatment of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is not yet available and an effective vaccine is still being developed. Conclusions. Further research is needed to develop effective prophylactic and therapeutic procedures for COVID-19 infection. (Bilińska M, Zadurska M, Czochrowska E. COVID-19: the current knowledge. Orthod Forum 2020; 16 (1): 27-36).