ABSTRACT

Sever acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV) , Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are members of the corona virus family that have been implicated for epidemics and deaths globally. These viruses have similar structural features and pathogenesis, yet are different in terms of genome sequence, coat protein and infectivity. There are no proven treatments or vaccines for previous epidemics caused by MERS COV and SARS CoV and the infection spread by SARS COV-2 has been more pronounced as compared to the other two. So far, the spread of SARS CoV 2 can be prevented by social distancing and treated with supportive therapies. This article reviews the three corona viruses and draws comparison between their features to better understand the disease process.

Key Words: COVID-19, MERS CoV and SARS CoV, SARS CoV-2.

How to cite this: Waqar K, Zahid M.  COVID-19, MERS and SARS; Understanding Similarities and Differences
. Life and Science. 2020; 1(suppl): 107-113.  doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.139