Update on COVID-19 Infection and Ivermectin Treatment

Abstract

Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause disease in mammals and birds. COVID-19 infection is caused by a single stranded RNA virus called SARS-CoV-2 that is similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The aim of this review is to identify how COVID-19 infects man, the preventive approach and treatment possibility with ivermectin drug. The possible main source of transmission is thought to be a close contact with infected person or animal and respiratory droplets while the mucous membrane; conjunctiva, mouth, nasal cavity, and throat are the main routes of transmission. The virus enters the human through the ACE2 receptor which are found in the mucous membrane. This is an important step for coronavirus infection establishment. To stay safe from coronavirus, physical distancing, wearing of face mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning/washing your hands, the use of hand sanitizers and coughing into a bent elbow are precautionary measures to avoid contracting the infection. Ivemectin blocks the initiation of the binding of the viral protein to the cytoplasmic receptor (imp α/β). The inhibitory role of ivemectin prevents further increase in the viral load. Ivermectin drug could be a remarkable medical breakthrough for the lasting treatment of the infection; however, more clinical trials are suggested in this area.