Study of the Possible Origin and Evolution of Coronaviruses, Focusing on Recent 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 PhD in Plant Breeding, Core Research Facilities, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 PhD in Developmental Biology, Core Research Facilities, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a pandemic highly pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) appeared in Wuhan of China and then spread worldwide. The genome assessment of this virus revealed that SARS-CoV-2 has phylogenetically high similarity with SARS-like bat viruses. So, the bat can be considered as a primary reservoir of this virus. The intermediate and transfer source of this virus to human has not yet been recognized. In the present study, the origin and evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in comparison with the two SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) respiratory syndrome viruses, as well as the genetic and phylogenetic evidences regards SARS-COV-2 was discussed.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 38, Issue 602 - Serial Number 602
November and December 2021
Pages 900-913

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 May 2020
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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