SARS-CoV-2 Genome Structure, Pathogenesis, Issues, and Challenges in Laboratory Diagnosis

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing disease 2019 pandemic is an enveloped virus, showing genome similarity with bat coronavirus. This virus initially infects the upper tract, subsequent spread to lower tract. Despite availability of antigen and antibody detection methods, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic test choice for this novel coronaviral infection. Care must be taken while interpreting RT-PCR results, as single RT-PCR, especially in early days infection, maybe false negative. The cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification has improved facilities a peripheral setting developing countries.