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Drawing Comparisons between SARS-CoV-2 and the Animal Coronaviruses
Souvik Ghosh1, Yashpal S Malik2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Microorganisms
|November 26, 2020
Summary
Comparing animal coronaviruses (CoVs) with SARS-CoV-2 offers insights into COVID-19. Understanding animal CoVs aids in developing effective strategies against the human coronavirus pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had profound global impacts.
- Human coronaviruses (CoVs) like SARS-CoV-2 present complex challenges in origin, transmission, and pathogenesis.
- Animal CoVs have been extensively studied for decades, offering valuable comparative data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review and compare the evolution, transmission, pathogenesis, immunopathology, therapeutics, and prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 with various animal CoVs.
- To leverage knowledge from animal CoV research to enhance understanding of SARS-CoV-2.
- To inform the development of effective control and prevention strategies for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of existing scientific literature on human and animal coronaviruses.
- Review of data on viral evolution, transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, and host immune responses.
- Synthesis of information regarding therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for both human and animal CoVs.
Main Results:
- Animal CoVs share striking resemblances with SARS-CoV-2 in various aspects, including genetic diversity, transmission, and pathology.
- The evolution of human CoVs, including SARS-CoV-2, is interconnected with that of animal CoVs.
- Existing knowledge on animal CoVs provides a foundation for understanding SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusions:
- Comparative insights from animal coronaviruses can significantly enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2.
- This knowledge is crucial for developing robust control and prevention strategies against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- Further research integrating animal CoV data may accelerate the development of effective countermeasures.
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