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Published on: December 23, 2020
Emerging novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)-current scenario, evolutionary perspective based on genome analysis and recent
Yashpal Singh Malik1, Shubhankar Sircar1, Sudipta Bhat1
1Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
Coronaviruses are the well-known cause of severe respiratory, enteric and systemic infections in a wide range of hosts including man, mammals, fish, and avian. The scientific interest on coronaviruses increased after the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) outbreaks in 2002-2003 followed by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV). This decade's first CoV, named 2019-nCoV, emerged from Wuhan, China, and declared as 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern' on January 30th, 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO). As on February 4, 2020, 425 deaths reported in China only and one death outside China (Philippines). In a short span of time, the virus spread has been noted in 24 countries. The zoonotic transmission (animal-to-human) is suspected as the route of disease origin. The genetic analyses predict bats as the most probable source of 2019-nCoV though further investigations needed to confirm the origin of the novel virus. The ongoing nCoV outbreak highlights the hidden wild animal reservoir of the deadly viruses and possible threat of spillover zoonoses as well. The successful virus isolation attempts have made doors open for developing better diagnostics and effective vaccines helping in combating the spread of the virus to newer areas.
Insights
The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in Wuhan has led to a global health emergency. Research is underway to identify the virus origin and develop diagnostics and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronaviruses cause severe infections in various hosts.
- Increased scientific interest followed SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV outbreaks.
- A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) emerged in Wuhan, China, declared a global health emergency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the emergence and characteristics of the 2019-nCoV outbreak.
- To highlight the suspected zoonotic origin and potential animal reservoirs.
- To emphasize the need for diagnostics and vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging data on the 2019-nCoV outbreak.
- Genetic analyses to predict the virus's origin.
- Monitoring of global spread and mortality rates.
Main Results:
- The 2019-nCoV outbreak rapidly spread to 24 countries by February 2020.
- Over 425 deaths were reported in China, with one death outside.
- Bats are suspected as the primary source, pending further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak underscores the risk of zoonotic spillover from wild animal reservoirs.
- Successful virus isolation facilitates the development of diagnostics and vaccines.
- Urgent global collaboration is needed to control the spread of 2019-nCoV.
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