Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses with large genomes and unique replication strategies. They cause a wide range of diseases in mammals and birds, from mild enteritis to severe respiratory infections in humans. This review discusses the replication, pathogenesis, and current prevention and treatment strategies of CoVs, with a focus on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. CoVs belong to the Nidovirales order, which includes four families. The Coronavirusidae family contains two subfamilies, with the Coronavirusinae subfamily divided into four genera: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. CoVs have a non-segmented, positive-sense RNA genome of approximately 30 kb, with the replicase gene occupying two-thirds of the genome. The genome contains a 5' cap and 3' poly(A) tail, allowing it to function as mRNA for translation of the replicase polyproteins. The replicase gene encodes non-structural proteins (nsps), while structural and accessory proteins make up the remaining 10 kb. The genome is organized with a leader sequence, untranslated regions (UTRs), and accessory genes interspersed within the structural genes. The coronavirus virion is spherical, with a diameter of approximately 125 nm, and contains four main structural proteins: spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The S protein mediates attachment to host receptors and is cleaved by host proteases. The M protein is the most abundant structural protein and is involved in virion assembly. The E protein is present in small quantities and facilitates virus assembly and release. The N protein binds the viral genome and is essential for packaging. The genome is replicated and transcribed through a complex process involving ribosomal frameshifting and the production of sub-genomic RNAs. The replication process involves the formation of a replicase-transcriptase complex (RTC), which is responsible for RNA synthesis. Coronaviruses can recombine through homologous and non-homologous recombination, contributing to their evolution. Coronaviruses cause a variety of diseases in animals, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In humans, they cause mild to severe respiratory infections, with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV being particularly severe. SARS-CoV was first identified in 2002-2003 and is believed to have originated in bats. MERS-CoV emerged in 2012 and is also believed to have originated in bats. Both viruses use the ACE2 receptor for entry into human cells. Diagnosis of coronaviruses is typically done through RT-PCR, and there are no specific antiviral treatments. Vaccines are available for some veterinary coronaviruses but are not always effective. Prevention strategies include public health surveillance, rapid diagnostic testing, and quarantineCoronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses with large genomes and unique replication strategies. They cause a wide range of diseases in mammals and birds, from mild enteritis to severe respiratory infections in humans. This review discusses the replication, pathogenesis, and current prevention and treatment strategies of CoVs, with a focus on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. CoVs belong to the Nidovirales order, which includes four families. The Coronavirusidae family contains two subfamilies, with the Coronavirusinae subfamily divided into four genera: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. CoVs have a non-segmented, positive-sense RNA genome of approximately 30 kb, with the replicase gene occupying two-thirds of the genome. The genome contains a 5' cap and 3' poly(A) tail, allowing it to function as mRNA for translation of the replicase polyproteins. The replicase gene encodes non-structural proteins (nsps), while structural and accessory proteins make up the remaining 10 kb. The genome is organized with a leader sequence, untranslated regions (UTRs), and accessory genes interspersed within the structural genes. The coronavirus virion is spherical, with a diameter of approximately 125 nm, and contains four main structural proteins: spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The S protein mediates attachment to host receptors and is cleaved by host proteases. The M protein is the most abundant structural protein and is involved in virion assembly. The E protein is present in small quantities and facilitates virus assembly and release. The N protein binds the viral genome and is essential for packaging. The genome is replicated and transcribed through a complex process involving ribosomal frameshifting and the production of sub-genomic RNAs. The replication process involves the formation of a replicase-transcriptase complex (RTC), which is responsible for RNA synthesis. Coronaviruses can recombine through homologous and non-homologous recombination, contributing to their evolution. Coronaviruses cause a variety of diseases in animals, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In humans, they cause mild to severe respiratory infections, with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV being particularly severe. SARS-CoV was first identified in 2002-2003 and is believed to have originated in bats. MERS-CoV emerged in 2012 and is also believed to have originated in bats. Both viruses use the ACE2 receptor for entry into human cells. Diagnosis of coronaviruses is typically done through RT-PCR, and there are no specific antiviral treatments. Vaccines are available for some veterinary coronaviruses but are not always effective. Prevention strategies include public health surveillance, rapid diagnostic testing, and quarantine