Module 2

COVID-19
COVID-19
VIROLOGY
Virology &
Transmission
 Learning Objectives
• Discuss the virology of COVID19
• Discuss the transmissibility of COVID19
• Describe the modes of transmission of COVID19
 Origins
• Likely ecological reservoirs for
coronaviruses are bats, but it is
believed that the virus jumped the
species barrier to humans from
another intermediate animal host

• This intermediate animal host could

be a domestic food animal, a wild
animal, or a domesticated wild
animal which has not yet been
identified.
 Coronaviridae
• Large group of viruses infecting
mammals and birds
• In humans, coronaviruses cause
respiratory tract infections
• Noted to mutate frequently and
infect new species
• Name "coronavirus" derived from
prefix “corona” meaning "crown"
or "wreath"
Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of ID
 SARS-COV-2 Virion
• Coronaviruses are
enveloped viruses,
minute in size (65–
125 nm in diameter)
and contain a single-
stranded RNA as a
nucleic material, size
ranging from 26 to
32kbs in length
 Mode of Transmission
• Person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2 occur mainly via respiratory Droplets
(travel not more than 2 meters) vs Aerosols (remain in air and be carried long
distances)
• With droplet transmission, the virus is released in the respiratory secretions
when a person with infection
Coughs,
Sneezes
Talks
(This can infect another person if it makes direct contact with the mucous membranes of the
person)
• Infection can also occur if a person touches an infected surface and then
touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
 Basic Reproduction Number (R0)
• “Number of cases directly generated by one case in
completely susceptible population without interventions”
• Effective Reproduction Number (R): “number of cases
generated by one case with interventions/immunity”
– Some individuals immunized or already infected/recovered

– Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPI) implemented (social

distancing, quarantines, isolation, treatment)
The Reproduction Number (R0)
COVID19 Ro vs
other Viruses

• Typically cited as 2-3 but

may be as high as 4.9; varies
by population density and
exposure patterns

• Probably about twice as

transmissible as influenza
Richterman, Meyerowitz.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13nbSCnJDQKtidyZR663GkmE5
cX9wCwa7U5hwHWDgRnY/mobilepresent?slide=id.g72184f3699_0_11
Strategies to Expand COVID-19 Testing Across Disciplines. Amoroso, Leekha, Schrank
 Summary
• COVID19 is a disease caused by SARS-COV-2
• SARS-COV-2 comes from a group of coronaviruses that cause
respiratory tract infections in humans and is noted to mutate
frequently
• Person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2 occur mainly via
respiratory droplets
End of session

Any questions