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Updated: Oct 17, 2025

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There is no "origin" to SARS-CoV-2.

Roger Frutos1, Olivier Pliez2, Laurent Gavotte3

  • 1CIRAD, Intertryp, UMR 17, Montpellier, France.

Environmental Research
|October 9, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is less important than understanding viral evolution. Focusing on how viruses emerge as pandemics and how society can prevent future outbreaks is crucial.

Keywords:
COVID-19CoronavirusEmerging diseasesEvolutionOriginSARS-CoV-2

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has sparked intense debate regarding its origin, with two prominent hypotheses: natural spillover versus laboratory leak.
  • Current debates often focus on discrediting opposing theories rather than objective analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reframe the discussion on virus origins by emphasizing evolutionary processes over a singular "determined origin."
  • To highlight the importance of understanding in-host viral evolution and environmental factors in pandemic emergence.
  • To shift focus towards societal strategies for preventing future pandemics.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of evolutionary principles applied to viruses.
  • Review of existing knowledge on viral circulation and adaptation within host populations.
  • Framework for understanding pandemic emergence based on evolutionary dynamics.

Main Results:

  • The concept of a "determined origin" for viruses is flawed; instead, viruses evolve through adaptation and selection, influenced by their host environment.
  • Pandemic viruses often circulate in human populations before becoming epidemic, requiring in-host evolution to trigger widespread disease.
  • The evolutionary process for SARS-CoV-2 continues, evidenced by the emergence of new variants.

Conclusions:

  • The focus should shift from the specific origin of SARS-CoV-2 to the broader mechanisms of viral evolution and pandemic emergence.
  • Understanding the evolutionary trajectory of viruses within hosts is key to predicting and preventing future pandemics.
  • Societal preparedness and intervention strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of emerging infectious diseases.