MICROBIOLOGY FOR STUDENTS (M4S)

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is well known for pneumonia, lymphopenia, exhausted lymphocytes, and a cytokine storm. The significant antibody production whether protective or pathogenic in nature is yet to be determined [1]. Most patients with COVID-19 exhibit mild to moderate symptoms. However, approximately 15% progress to severe pneumonia and 5% eventually develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, and/or multiple organ failure [2-3].

Prior the development of any anti-viral agents or vaccine, the initial step requires comprehensive understanding of viral replication process that augments the number of viral copies in the host cell. The replication of typical virus has following step in their lifecycle are (1): 1. Attachment and entry 2. Uncoating 3. Gene expression 4. Genome replication 5. Assembly and maturation 6. Egress and release

1. Niclosamide:    Mode of Action:  Neutralization of endosomal pH *Also affects maturation of Dengue virus (DENV) particles rendering them non-infectious (1).   *It is an antiparasitic   drug approved drug for human use.  2.  1-methylpropyl-2-imidazolyl disulfide (PX-12):      Mode of Action:    Reversible inhibition of the thioredoxin system (Trx1 system) causing a slow irreversible thioalkylation of Trx1  (2) .  *Anti-HIV-1 effect. In hibited the enzymatic activity of Trx1 and the Trx1-dependent disulfide reduction of gp120.   *Developed as an antitumor agent. 3.    Nitazoxanide (NTZ):    Mode of Action:  Inhibits host ERp57 activity, causing newly synthesized F-protein misfolding, F-aggregate formation and halting F-trafficking to the host plasma membrane as reported in a prototype    paramyxovirus Sendai (SeV) (3).  ...

The Baltimore classification system is a scheme used to classify viruses based on their genome type and replication strategy. It was developed by Nobel laureate David Baltimore in 1971. The classification system categorizes viruses into seven groups (Groups I-VII) based on the nature of their nucleic acid genome and how the genome is replicated. Here's an overview of the Baltimore classification of viruses: Group I: Double-Stranded DNA (dsDNA) Viruses Examples: Herpesviruses (e.g., herpes simplex virus), Adenoviruses, Poxviruses Genome: Double-stranded DNA Replication: DNA-dependent DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands using the host cell's machinery. Group II: Single-Stranded DNA (ssDNA) Viruses Examples: Parvoviruses Genome: Single-stranded DNA Replication: The viral DNA is converted into a double-stranded form, and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands. Group III: Double-Stranded RNA (dsRNA) Viruses Examples: Reoviruses (e.g., rotavirus) Genome: Doub...