Coronavirus and Co-infections: A Saudi Arabian Perspective

Overview

Journal Saudi J Biol Sci

Specialty Biology

Date 2023 Jul 31

PMID 37520787

Authors

Ahmad M Alharbi

Affiliations

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Abstract

Mortality due to infectious diseases continues to rise globally, despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and supportive care. This is evident with the occurrence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, instigated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Saudi Arabia, an eminent country within the Arab region, has had significant impact during global pandemics, concomitant with the fact that millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimages every year. Herein, we discuss the significance of SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, as well as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia with particular reference to global transmission and/or emergence of new variants due to genetic mixing of different strains. Furthermore, we also discuss the role of Saudi Arabia with reference to novel emerging infectious diseases and re-emerging infections, such as Ebola, zika, and monkeypox, as well as in the context on coinfections. Future strategies to limit the spread of viral infections and the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia, are deliberated upon.

Citing Articles

The increasing importance of Dengue virus infection in Saudi Arabia: A review.

Alharbi A Virus Res. 2024; 351():199510.

PMID: 39681278 PMC: 11732239. DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199510.

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