Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that leads to symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, and can progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.
- Type
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness. It does not have a type of genetic transmission as it is not inherited; rather, it is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets.
- Signs And Symptoms
- SARS produces flu-like symptoms which may include fever, muscle pain, lethargy, cough, sore throat, and other nonspecific symptoms. The only symptom common to all patients appears to be a fever above 38 °C (100 °F). SARS often leads to shortness of breath and pneumonia, which may be direct viral pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia.The average incubation period for SARS is 4–6 days, although it is rarely as short as 1 day or as long as 14 days.
- Prognosis
- Several consequent reports from China on some recovered SARS patients showed severe long-time sequelae. The most typical diseases include, among other things, pulmonary fibrosis, osteoporosis, and femoral necrosis, which have led in some cases to the complete loss of working ability or even self-care ability of people who have recovered from SARS. As a result of quarantine procedures, some of the post-SARS patients have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder.
- Onset
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) typically has an onset characterized by a high fever, usually higher than 38°C (100.4°F). This initial symptom is often followed by other symptoms such as headache, overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Within a few days, patients generally develop a dry cough, which can progress to cause difficulty breathing and can escalate to pneumonia.
- Prevalence
- Prevalence data for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is not applicable at present, as there have been no known cases since 2004. The original outbreak occurred between 2002 and 2003, affecting approximately 8,000 people worldwide with a fatality rate of around 10%. The virus was successfully contained through public health measures, and no further outbreaks have been reported.
- Epidemiology
- SARS was a relatively rare disease; at the end of the epidemic in June 2003, the incidence was 8,422 cases with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 11%.The case fatality rate (CFR) ranges from 0% to 50% depending on the age group of the patient. Patients under 24 were least likely to die (less than 1%); those 65 and older were most likely to die (over 55%).As with MERS and COVID-19, SARS resulted in significantly more deaths of males than females.
- Intractability
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is not considered intractable. Although it can be severe and sometimes fatal, SARS can be managed with supportive care and, in many cases, patients recover. Isolation measures and infection control have been effective in containing outbreaks. There are no specific antiviral treatments for SARS, but research and advancements in public health strategies have contributed to managing and preventing the spread of the disease.
- Disease Severity
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening respiratory illness. It can cause severe respiratory distress, requiring hospitalization, and has a significant mortality rate. Without treatment, the severity can escalate, leading to further complications and increased risk of death.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:2945
- Pathophysiology
-
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Its pathophysiology involves the virus entering the host cells primarily through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are abundant in lung tissue. This leads to viral replication, cell damage, and an inflammatory response.
Once inside the body, the virus damages alveolar epithelial cells, triggering an immune response. This response includes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, leading to an inflammatory cascade. The resultant cytokine storm can cause diffuse alveolar damage, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Additionally, the virus can impair the immune system by decreasing lymphocyte counts, particularly T cells, which further exacerbates the body's ability to fight off the infection. This combination of direct viral damage and immune-mediated injury is central to the severe respiratory compromise seen in SARS.
For "nan", it seems there might be an error or missing context. If you meant "nanotechnology" or any other specific aspect, please provide further details. - Carrier Status
- Carrier status: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) does not have a known asymptomatic carrier state. Individuals infected with the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) typically exhibit symptoms, meaning they are not asymptomatic carriers. However, they can be contagious before symptoms appear and during the symptomatic phase.
- Mechanism
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
**Mechanism:**
SARS-CoV primarily targets the respiratory system. The virus gains entry into host cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is expressed on the surface of cells in the respiratory tract, lungs, and other tissues.
**Molecular Mechanisms:**
1. **Viral Entry:**
- The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV binds to the ACE2 receptor on the host cell surface.
- The virus is then taken into the cell via endocytosis or direct fusion with the cell membrane.
2. **Replication and Transcription:**
- Once inside, the viral RNA is released into the cytoplasm.
- The virus employs its RNA-dependent RNA polymerase to replicate its RNA genome.
- It also generates subgenomic RNAs, which are translated into viral proteins.
3. **Assembly and Release:**
- Newly synthesized viral proteins and RNA assemble into new virions in the host cell's endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.
- These new virions are transported out of the cell in vesicles and released by exocytosis to infect new cells.
4. **Immune Evasion and Pathogenesis:**
- SARS-CoV antagonizes the host's innate immune response by interfering with interferon signaling pathways.
- The viral structural and non-structural proteins help in dampening the immune response, facilitating viral evasion and prolonged infection.
- Severe infection can lead to an exaggerated immune response known as a cytokine storm, causing tissue damage and contributing to respiratory failure. - Treatment
- As SARS is a viral disease, antibiotics do not have direct effect but may be used against bacterial secondary infection. Treatment of SARS is mainly supportive with antipyretics, supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation as needed. While ribavirin is commonly used to treat SARS, there seems to have little to no effect on SARS-CoV, and no impact on patient's outcomes. There is currently no proven antiviral therapy. Tested substances, include ribavirin, lopinavir, ritonavir, type I interferon, that have thus far shown no conclusive contribution to the disease's course. Administration of corticosteroids, is recommended by the British Thoracic Society/British Infection Society/Health Protection Agency in patients with severe disease and O2 saturation of <90%.People with SARS-CoV must be isolated, preferably in negative-pressure rooms, with complete barrier nursing precautions taken for any necessary contact with these patients, to limit the chances of medical personnel becoming infected. In certain cases, natural ventilation by opening doors and windows is documented to help decreasing indoor concentration of virus particles.Some of the more serious damage caused by SARS may be due to the body's own immune system reacting in what is known as cytokine storm.
- Compassionate Use Treatment
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For Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS):
### Compassionate Use Treatment:
Compassionate use treatment refers to providing patients with investigational drugs or therapies outside of clinical trials, typically when no other treatment options are available.
### Off-Label or Experimental Treatments:
- **Ribavirin:** An antiviral medication that has been used off-label, though its efficacy is questionable and it may cause significant side effects.
- **Lopinavir/Ritonavir:** Originally used for HIV, these drugs have shown some in vitro activity against SARS coronavirus.
- **Interferons:** These antiviral proteins, particularly interferon-alpha and interferon-beta, have been used experimentally to boost the immune response.
- **Corticosteroids:** Sometimes used to control inflammation and immune response, though their benefits and risks are still debated.
These treatments require close medical supervision and are typically considered when standard treatment options are insufficient. - Lifestyle Recommendations
-
For severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the following lifestyle recommendations are advised:
1. **Hygiene Practices**:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
- Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands.
2. **Respiratory Etiquette**:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands afterward.
3. **Avoid Close Contact**:
- Maintain a safe distance from individuals who show symptoms of respiratory illness (e.g., coughing or sneezing).
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
4. **Isolation and Quarantine**:
- Stay at home if you are feeling unwell or exhibit symptoms of SARS.
- Follow public health guidelines on isolation if diagnosed with SARS.
5. **Travel Precautions**:
- Avoid non-essential travel to areas with known outbreaks.
- Follow travel advisories from health authorities.
6. **Healthy Lifestyle**:
- Eat a balanced diet to support immune function.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Ensure adequate sleep and manage stress effectively.
7. **Vaccination and Medical Advice**:
- Stay informed about any available vaccines and receive them if recommended.
- Regularly consult with healthcare providers for updates and follow their advice. - Medication
-
For Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), there is no specific antiviral medication that is definitively proven to treat the virus. Treatment primarily involves supportive care to relieve symptoms and manage complications. This may include:
1. Oxygen therapy for patients with reduced oxygen levels.
2. Mechanical ventilation in cases of severe respiratory failure.
3. Antipyretics for fever management.
4. Fluids to prevent dehydration.
5. Antibiotics may be administered to treat any secondary bacterial infections.
Experimental antiviral drugs or treatments may be used in a clinical trial setting, but their effectiveness can vary. - Repurposable Drugs
-
Repurposable drugs for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have included:
1. **Ribavirin** - An antiviral medication.
2. **Lopinavir/Ritonavir** - Antiretroviral drugs commonly used for HIV.
3. **Interferons** - Proteins used to boost the immune system's response to viruses. - Metabolites
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is primarily caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Metabolites related to SARS have been studied to understand the disease pathology and potential treatment targets. Key metabolites involved in SARS include cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes that are part of the immune response. Disruption in metabolic pathways can be observed, such as altered levels of amino acids, lipids, and energy metabolites.
If "nan" refers to nanoparticles, these have been explored in the context of SARS for potential therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Nanoparticles can be used to deliver antiviral drugs, enhance immune responses, or serve as carriers for vaccines. They offer the potential for targeted treatment with reduced side effects.
Understanding the metabolic changes and exploring advanced technologies like nanoparticles can help in developing better strategies for managing and treating SARS. - Nutraceuticals
- There is currently no specific nutraceutical that has been proven to be effective in treating or preventing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Nutraceuticals are foods or food products that provide health benefits, but their use in the management of SARS would require substantial evidence from clinical trials. It’s important to rely on established medical treatments and public health guidelines to manage and prevent the spread of SARS.
- Peptides
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is caused by the SARS-CoV virus, a member of the coronavirus family. For managing or studying SARS, peptides can play a role in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Peptides derived from viral proteins, such as the spike (S) protein, may be used to develop vaccines, antiviral drugs, or diagnostic tests aimed at eliciting immune responses or identifying the presence of the virus.
Nanotechnology offers innovative approaches for SARS. Nanoparticles can be used for improved drug delivery systems, allowing for targeted delivery of antiviral agents directly to infected cells, potentially enhancing efficacy and reducing side effects. Nanomaterials can also be used in the development of highly sensitive diagnostic tools, such as nanosensors, to detect SARS-CoV at low concentrations, thereby facilitating early diagnosis and containment of the disease.