11. Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s, are so
named because of the crown-like appearance of their virus particles
when seen under an electron microscope (corona, meaning crown).
Coronaviruses are a diverse group of viruses that infect and cause
disease in humans and other animals.
35. The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, closed on January 1, is thought to be ground zero in the spread of the deadly coronavirus
named 2019-nCoV.
81. Samples to be collected
1. Respiratory samples (nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab in
ambulatory patients and sputum (if produced) and/or
endotracheal aspirate or bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with more severe
respiratory disease).
2. Serum for serological testing, acute sample and convalescent sample (this
is additional to respiratory materials and can support the identification of the
true agent, once serologic assay is available).
82. Recommendations for specimen collection Lower respiratory specimens likely
have a higher diagnostic value than upper respiratory tract specimens for
detecting 2019-nCoV infection.
If patients do not have signs or symptoms of lower respiratory tract disease
or if specimen collection for lower respiratory tract disease is clinically
indicated but the collection is not possible, upper respiratory tract
specimens such as a nasopharyngeal aspirate or combined nasopharyngeal and
and oropharyngeal swabs should be collected.
83. Patients that meet the case definition for suspected 2019- nCoV
should be screened for the virus with RT-PCR.
If case management requires, screen also for other common causes of
respiratory illness according to local guidelines.
As coinfections can occur, all patients that meet the case definition
should be tested for 2019-nCoV regardless of whether a conventional
respiratory pathogen is found.
