Key numbers about the biology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the infection of a single human host by the virus have been compiled from the peer-reviewed literature.
Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers included caring for Covid-19 patients, Black or Asian ethnicity, and Covid-19-positive household contacts, whereas a bundle of PPE-related measures protected ICU staff.
Diminished incidence of COVID-19 amongst healthcare workers in a comprehensive screening programme demonstrates how effective infection control measures and staff testing can prevent hospitals becoming independent 'hubs' of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Whereas SARS-CoV-2 utilizes cathepsins to enter most cell lines, human airway organoids revealed that entry into relevant cells is dependent on serine proteases, which can be targeted for treatment.
A novel, overlapping, putatively functional gene in SARS-CoV-2, ORF3d, is absent from close relatives of SARS-CoV-2 and may have contributed to the biology, emergence, or spread of the virus.
3% of >1,000 asymptomatic healthcare workers in their workplace tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that comprehensive screening programmes are vital to prevent acquisition of COVID-19 in hospitals.
A meta-analysis shows that seroconversion of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is not affected by disease severity and finds higher viral RNA detection probability in lower respiratory tract and fecal samples.
Clinical data of SARS-CoV-2 patients presenting atypical symptoms must be recorded systematically to support continuing research investigating neurological complications associated with COVID-19.
