No non-human reservoirs for smallpox- and polio-viruses has contributed to the success of worldwide eradication of smallpox and a significant control of poliomyelitis. Most emerging and re-emerging viruses including SARS Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), have animal reservoirs and therefore,they impose a constant threat of host jump leading tooutbreaksin humans. It is desirable to be ready for control of infections that are caused by zoonotic pathogens, even after an outbreak has ended. This literature review is a compilation of advances made so far for diagnosis and treatment of SARS.
