What is Microbiology - SARS

​SARS

SARS is severe acute respiratory syndrome which is caused by coronavirus (COV). The incubation period of SARS is around 2- 7 days.

The symptoms and signs of severe acute respiratory syndrome may include fever, body aches, headache and diarrhea. A few days later patient may suffer from dry non productive cough, pneumonia and hypoxia. 

SARS CoV is identified by serological testing with the aim to identify CoV - specific antibody and by using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction ( RT- PCR).

The mode of transmission is via respiratory droplets from cough or sneezing and person to person contact. Infected person should be isolated and quarantine is considered in person who exposed to SARS. 

Pathologically SARS may present with diffuse damage of the alveolar and the present of thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia. 

The spread of SARS can be prevented by restriction to travel in the areas with SARS and frequent hand washing. Patient may required mechanical ventilation if hypoxic.