A Major Breakthrough into SARS Origins

2004-06-13 15:07

Not long ago, the Shenzhen Disease Prevention and Control Center, in collaboration with the Dept. of Microorganisms of Hong Kong University, the Shenzhen Animal Quarantine Supervision Station, and the Shenzhen Wildlife Protection Station, launched its study into the SARS origins.

On the basis of population epidemic investigations, researchers have tracked down animals that might have been infected with SARS viruses and have made wild mammal animals their major study targets. They have confirmed the kinship relations between these animals and human SARS viruses based on an evolutionary analysis of the SARS virus genes of different genus. They feel they have seen the origin of the human SARS viruses based on these finding.

Based on nearly a month of painstaking efforts, researchers have separated 3 SARS specimens from 6 Paguma larvata. The full genetic sequencing of one specimen has shown that the SARS viruses in Paguma larvata bore 99 % homology with the SARS viruses in the human body. A further genetic analysis confirmed that SARS viruses in animals created the precursors of the SARS viruses in humans.

The testing and analysis of the SARS antibody of 10 people who operate wild animal businesses has resulted in positive response in five of the tests. This indicates that the SARS viruses in wild animals may infect those who have close contact with them.

These research findings have provided important evidence for further tracking of the origins of the SARS viruses in humans. The findings will include associated chains, and will lay a foundation for the future development of SARS vaccines and treatment serums.