Recent scientific research progress and challenges of COVID-19 pandemic: a global public health event

COVID-19 is a highly spreadable viral infection, reported first in Wuhan, China in December 2019 which spreads worldwide later. The pathogen of this disease is SARS-CoV virus. World Health Organization announced first the name of this new disease and declared this outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This disaster is the most polarising global pandemic after the World War II which causes significant economic, social, political disruption, and afflicts civilization throughout human history in the world. It becomes an unprecedented challenge for India. At the time of writing this review, some specific vaccines are available but due to mutations in virus, at present it is necessary to early analyse and implement supportive treatments of this infection. Therefore, a thorough investigation is urgently required to construct an outline for the inhibition and treatment of this disease. It is necessary to understand the pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiological characteristics and to detect possible drug targets. In the present article the existing knowledge of COVID-19 including epidemiological and clinical features, available medication and treatment options till date are summarized. In addition, an up-to-date synopsis of the ongoing research progress in designing safe and effective vaccines is also highlighted which will help the human being to combat against this disease and to completely control the pandemic finally. Lastly, some major concerns to be challenged and perspectives for the future development are discussed in this article which will help to give valuable insights into new research directions.