Pathogenic, clinical and diagnostic characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

SARS-CoV-2 is the pathogen responsible for COVID-19, an infectious disease that can evolve from a mild viral illness to multiple organ failure and death. This disease is characterized by a high transmissibility rate, which has lead to its spread throughout the world. There are no clear prognostic markers to guide the severity of the condition; however, some clinical elements could be considered possible predictors of severity. Knowing its viral structure and pathogenesis has allowed to recognize specific molecular pathways candidates as therapeutic targets for various drugs, which are still under investigation and will set the guidelines for future protocols.