The body of research that stems from the SARS epidemic is giving researchers a lot more tools and understanding on how to tackle other coronaviruses. There is little evidence yet that this new virus poses any major public health threat, however authorities worldwide are not being complacent. Respiratory viruses can cause pandemics, and this particular strain has already caused serious diseases. The diagnostic tests will be able to answer whether the two initial cases are related or isolated events.
The closest relatives of the new coronavirus are found in bats. Existing SARS research has provided a useful template to further investigate this coronavirus and scientists will now study the pathogen’s virulence, looking to see if any of the antiviral therapies and vaccines that were developed to treat SARS can be used to treat other coronaviruses. It’s important to find out where the new virus latches on to the human lung. Scientists suspect that it might bind to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, as did SARS. Viruses nestling there can cause severe disease, but are less apt to be coughed up or sneezed into the air.
