Coronavirus: A study points to the origin of covid-19 in a viral cross between bat and pangoln
Coronavirus Researchers ask to avoid contact with wild species to prevent further zoonosis
L The investigation is closer than ever to knowing the origin of covid-19, a basic aspect to treat it effectively . A new study finds in the genetic mix of almost identical coronavirus of pangolin and bat the decisive combination for their jump to humans and their rapid expansion.
The researchers analyzed 43 genome sequences from three strains of the SARS-CoV-2 of bats and pangolins defining which were the most similar to the coronavirus. In summary, evolutionary selection and frequent recombination between pangolin, bat, and human viruses have allowed them to jump from one species to another with ease.
This evolutionary capacity of SARS-CoV-2 pushes avoid (preferably ban) human contact with wild animal species as the main preventive measure against future zoonoses. In particular, the researchers point to the large wetland markets, especially in Asia where contact between different species has been the perfect breeding ground for the jump between virus species.