Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 29, 2020

Genomic characterisation and epidemiology of 2019 novel coronavirus: implications for virus origins and receptor binding

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  • Samples from nine patients, eight with Wuhan travel history, were evaluated. Genome sequence identity between patients was 99.98%. 2019-nCoV had 88% sequence identity (similarity) with two SARS-like coronaviruses with bat origin but was less similar to SARS-CoV (79%) and MERS-CoV (50%). Receptor-binding domain structure was similar to SARS-CoV. 
  • In line with other studies, the virus appears to be within the subgenus Sarbecovirus of genus Betacoronavirus. 
  • While bats are identified as the likely origin, evidence points to a potential intermediary host sold at the Wuhan seafood market. 

Lu et al. (Jan 29, 2020). Genomic characterisation and epidemiology of 2019 novel coronavirus: implications for virus origins and receptor binding. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30251-8