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Zoonotic origins of human coronavirus 2019 (HCoV-19 / SARS-CoV-2): why is this work important?

Gary Wong1,2, Yu-Hai Bi3, Qi-Hui Wang3

  • 1CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.

Zoological Research
|April 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Investigating the zoonotic origins of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) is crucial for pandemic control. Understanding HCoV-19

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a significant global health threat.
  • Previous coronavirus epidemics, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, also caused severe respiratory illness.
  • Understanding the zoonotic origins of novel viruses is critical for preventing future outbreaks.

Discussion:

  • This work reviews current data on the zoonotic origins of HCoV-19 (SARS-CoV-2).
  • It draws parallels with the origins and impacts of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.
  • The importance of continued research into HCoV-19 origins is emphasized.

Key Insights:

  • SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, likely has zoonotic origins.
  • Comparative analysis with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV highlights the potential for severe human disease from novel coronaviruses.
  • Tracing the precise origins of HCoV-19 is a key scientific challenge.

Outlook:

  • Future research should prioritize intensified efforts to trace the origins of HCoV-19.
  • Such investigations are vital for developing effective control and prevention strategies for the ongoing pandemic.
  • Continued global collaboration in virological and epidemiological research is essential.

Keywords:
BatHCoV-19 / SARS-CoV-2Natural ReservoirPangolinSusceptibilityZoonotic origins

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