Genomic and Bioinformatic Tools for SARS-CoV-2: Applications in COVID-19 Diagnostics, Surveillance, and Drug Discovery

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has underscored the pivotal role of bioinformatics in elucidating viral genomics, epidemiology, and therapeutics. This review provides a curated catalog of bioinformatics resources, including databases, tools, and datasets, supporting SARS-CoV-2 research and COVID-19 surveillance. We review epidemiological databases, genomic and structural repositories, analytical tools, and clinical datasets, highlighting their applications and limitations. We discuss emerging tools, such as AI-driven structural modeling, and future needs, including data integration. By synthesizing these resources, this review aims to guide virologists, bioinformaticians, and public health researchers in addressing ongoing COVID-19 challenges and preparing for future pandemics.