An ongoing outbreak of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus, currently designated as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was reported recently. However, as SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging virus, we know little about it. In this review, we summarize the key events occurred during the early stage of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the basic characteristics of the pathogen, the signs and symptoms of the infected patients as well as the possible transmission pathways of the virus. Furthermore, we also review the current knowledge on the origin and evolution of the SARS-CoV-2. We highlight bats as the potential natural reservoir and pangolins as the possible intermediate host of the virus, but their roles are waiting for further investigation. Finally, the advances in the development of chemotherapeutic options are also briefly summarized.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, Pneumonia, Novel coronavirus, 【초록키워드】 Evolution, knowledge, Symptom, virus, Characteristics, pathogen, outbreak, bat, early stage, Coronavirus-2, pangolin, acute respiratory syndrome, Host, transmission pathway, event, highlight, occurred, caused, reported, infected patient, the SARS-CoV-2, 【제목키워드】 threat, cause,