There has been a long discussion about where the corona virus originated. Now new studies have been published that have dealt with the question.
Wuhan – Since the beginning of the corona-pandemic*, researchers are dealing with the question of where the virus originated. One popular theory is that it originated in a Chinese laboratory*. Scientists have now published new findings and several studies on the subject.
Researchers analyzed a variety of data including virus samples, market stall maps and the social media activities of early Covid-19 patients across Wuhan. They concluded that the corona virus was very likely present in live mammals sold at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan in late 2019. According to the study suspect that they transmitted the virus to humans. This is said to have happened twice.
Origin of the corona virus clarified: First cases near the market in Wuhan
The scientists evaluated the data on the places of residence of the people who became infected at the beginning of the corona outbreak. The first documented cases in particular occurred in the immediate vicinity of the market. From there, the virus spread in a circular fashion. Therefore, other places in Wuhan are considered less likely to be the origin of the corona virus.
The researchers also found that various live wild animals were sold at the Huanan market, which could theoretically be considered intermediate hosts of the virus. Through photos on social media platforms, they discovered that the market was selling raccoon dogs, Chinese bamboo rats and red foxes, which can catch the coronavirus.
Origin of the corona virus: two lineages
In the second examination the scientists researched the assumption that the virus jumped from animals to humans at at least two different times. For this purpose, the genome of more than 700 virus samples from the early phase of the pandemic was examined. The samples were then divided into two distinct lineages of coronavirus: lineage A and lineage B.
The genome of the samples differed at the beginning only by two mutations. Line A is said to be more closely related to corona viruses, which were also found in bats. On December 24, 2019, Lineage B was first detected in infected people who had a direct connection to the Huanan Market. Line A was only detected on December 30th in people who had not been to the market. However, it turned out that they lived in the area or had recently stayed nearby.
Origin of the corona virus discovered: Several studies discover traces in Wuhan
According to the study, a virus version of line B is said to have jumped from an animal to humans. But not before November 2019. A little later there could have been further infections, until line A also began to circulate among people.
In another study examination Researchers at the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) have found that the origin of the corona virus probably lies in the Wuhan market. In several samples they took from the market, they were able to spot line A on one glove. However, most of the samples gave line B as a result.
Corona virus: Origin discovered in Wuhan market
18 different animal species were also checked. However, the researchers found no evidence of the corona virus there. However, only animals sold dead were tested. The wild animals that are sold alive have not been tested. In a part of the Huanan market where wild animals were offered, the scientists discovered a particularly large number of positive virus samples on objects and the floor.
However, the studies still have some gaps. For example, no animal on the market that transmitted the virus to humans has been identified.
Just recently virologist Christian Drosten commented on the origin of the corona virus*. He assumes that the virus spread naturally. (Samira Mueller) *fr.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
#Trails #lead #market #Wuhan