SARS-CoV-2: Peculiarities of the Virus, the Evolving Scenario of its Diagnosis and the Scientific Journey of Hydroxychloroquine as a Potential Drug for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic, originated in December 2019, is that of an unprecedented one. Since the outbreak in China, about 3 million cases of this infection have been diagnosed and over 200 thousand fatalities till the time of writing this article. There is yet no effective drug or vaccine in picture to help humanity combat this virus, SARS-CoV-2. The past couple of decades have witnessed endemic outbreaks in the form of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. During this existential challenge, it is crucial to know about the peculiarities and action of this virus within the host and also the diagnostics in place for detection of presence of this virus in the host. This article introduces a general overview of the virus, its comparison with previous endemic-causing coronaviruses, and its pathophysiology. It then explains the diagnostics that are developed and currently in practise- their principles and management strategies in India planned to increase their manufacturing- to test patients for COVID-19. This article also includes the scientific journey of Hydroxychloroq