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

Zool Res. 2020 May 18;41(3):213-219. doi: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.031.

Abstract

The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with human coronavirus 2019 (HCoV-19 / SARS-CoV-2 / 2019-nCoV), is a global threat to the human population. Here, we briefly summarize the available data for the zoonotic origins of HCoV-19, with reference to the other two epidemics of highly virulent coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, which cause severe pneumonia in humans. We propose to intensify future efforts for tracing the origins of HCoV-19, which is a very important scientific question for the control and prevention of the pandemic.

Keywords: Bat; HCoV-19 / SARS-CoV-2; Natural Reservoir; Pangolin; Susceptibility; Zoonotic origins.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Betacoronavirus / physiology*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Disease Reservoirs
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Zoonoses*