Genetic Testing Confirms SARS Virus Came From Animals

Veterinary Practice News Oct. 2003 pg. 8

Genetic testing of animals sold as delicacies in a southern Chinese market found that the severe acute respiratory' syndrome (SARS) virus did jump from animals to people.

Researchers from the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong found clear differences between the animal and human versions but said they were minor enough to show that the jump was possible, as influenza and other viruses have done. Their findings were published in Science magazine by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Since Nov. 1, SARS has infected 8,422 people in 30 countries, killing 916, according to World Health Organization statistics.

While the animal and human viruses were closely related, genetic analysis showed clear differences and suggested that the SARS coronavirus was derived from the virus resident in animals.

In addition to civet cats, a raccoon-dog, a Chinese ferret badger, and some of the workers at the same market showed evidence of infection with a coronavirus similar to the human SARS virus.