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Abdullah Al Noman, BioScience Academy Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh ; Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, BangladeshFollow
Jannatul Efte Ekra, BioScience Academy Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh ; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, BangladeshFollow
Rima Islam Meem, BioScience Academy Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh ; Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, BangladeshFollow
Sujan Islam, BioScience Academy Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh ; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, BangladeshFollow
Fariha Sharzana, BioScience Academy Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh ; Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, BangladeshFollow
Shofiqul Islam, BioScience Academy Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh ; Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, BangladeshFollow
Samiron Sana, BioScience Academy Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh ; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh ; Pharmacy Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, BangladeshFollow
Masnoon Kabir, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka, BangladeshFollow
Niaz Mahmud, Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, BangladeshFollow
Abdullah Al Mahedi, Faculty of Medicine, Chittagong Institute of Medical Technology, Chattogram, BangladeshFollow
Taufique Joarder, Public Health Foundation, BangladeshFollow

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to outline the genomic and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in South Asian countries as well as the diagnosis, treatments, and prevention approaches undertaken by these countries to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We searched electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus as well as various national and international COVID-19 websites, WHO databases, and electronic media. 63 articles were included from databases and 34 articles from various other sources.

Results: Scientists observed genomic variations including common mutations in ORF1ab, ORF1a, ORF3a, and S genes, while several unique mutations exist in most isolates from these countries. Demographic analysis showed that the majority of infected individuals were male and younger adults (20 to 40 years). India had the highest number of deaths and incidents while Afghanistan had the highest fatality rate (4.37%). Various molecular assays including rRT-PCR, antigen and antibody-based assays have been developed and pre-existing treatments have been used to combat the pandemic. Although every country tried to implement imperative preventive measures along with vaccination drives, many of them still face grave repercussions due to impoverished health systems, underdeveloped infrastructures, and improvident government policies.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first review appraising various features of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 that persists in South Asia and strategies undertaken by the countries to tackle the disease. This review will facilitate timely interventions for future novel outbreaks in the region.

Keywords: COVID-19, South Asia, Genomic variations, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Prevention

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