24 January 2020 | Lisa E. Gralinski and Vineet D. Menachery
The emergence of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in late 2019 has raised concerns similar to those of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, linked to a seafood market, and quickly spread globally. Initial cases were associated with the market, but later cases did not have direct connections, suggesting possible human-to-human transmission or a broader animal source. The virus was isolated from a patient and confirmed in 16 others. The first genome sequence was released shortly after confirmation, allowing rapid global research and diagnostic development. As of January 2020, over 870 cases were reported, with 26 deaths, many among older or immunocompromised individuals.
The origin of 2019-nCoV is still under investigation, though environmental samples from the market tested positive. While some suggested snakes as a possible source, this was disputed. The virus is genetically related to SARS-CoV and bat coronaviruses, with a high degree of similarity to two bat-derived SARS-like coronaviruses. The virus's spike protein shows some similarity to SARS-CoV, but its receptor binding domain is more conserved than other group 2B coronaviruses. Studies suggest that 2019-nCoV may use human ACE2 as a receptor, though its affinity may be lower than SARS-CoV.
The virus has shown human-to-human transmission, with healthcare workers also infected, indicating potential super-spreading events. The virus's ability to spread is still being studied, and efforts to find a suitable animal model for research are ongoing. The outbreak has highlighted the importance of rapid identification and response to emerging viruses. The use of social media and global collaboration has accelerated the sharing of information and research, improving the world's preparedness for future outbreaks. Lessons from SARS and MERS emphasize the need for swift action to control the spread of new coronaviruses.The emergence of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in late 2019 has raised concerns similar to those of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, linked to a seafood market, and quickly spread globally. Initial cases were associated with the market, but later cases did not have direct connections, suggesting possible human-to-human transmission or a broader animal source. The virus was isolated from a patient and confirmed in 16 others. The first genome sequence was released shortly after confirmation, allowing rapid global research and diagnostic development. As of January 2020, over 870 cases were reported, with 26 deaths, many among older or immunocompromised individuals.
The origin of 2019-nCoV is still under investigation, though environmental samples from the market tested positive. While some suggested snakes as a possible source, this was disputed. The virus is genetically related to SARS-CoV and bat coronaviruses, with a high degree of similarity to two bat-derived SARS-like coronaviruses. The virus's spike protein shows some similarity to SARS-CoV, but its receptor binding domain is more conserved than other group 2B coronaviruses. Studies suggest that 2019-nCoV may use human ACE2 as a receptor, though its affinity may be lower than SARS-CoV.
The virus has shown human-to-human transmission, with healthcare workers also infected, indicating potential super-spreading events. The virus's ability to spread is still being studied, and efforts to find a suitable animal model for research are ongoing. The outbreak has highlighted the importance of rapid identification and response to emerging viruses. The use of social media and global collaboration has accelerated the sharing of information and research, improving the world's preparedness for future outbreaks. Lessons from SARS and MERS emphasize the need for swift action to control the spread of new coronaviruses.