What is a coronavirus? - Elizabeth Cox

Summary

For nearly a decade, scientists have traced a deadly coronavirus back to bats in Shitou Cave, linked to past epidemics like SARS and COVID-19. These viruses, identifiable by their crown-like spikes, spread easily in close quarters, particularly in cold weather. Unlike many RNA viruses, coronaviruses have a unique proofreading mechanism, which slows their mutation rate and may allow for more enduring immunity. However, with no approved treatments for coronaviruses, the risk of new strains emerging from animal habitats is concerning. Ongoing research is crucial to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health.

Takeaways

• 🦇 Scientists traced a deadly coronavirus to bats in Shitou Cave after nearly a decade of research.
• 😷 Coronaviruses can cause diseases in humans, including SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.
• 🌡️ Four out of seven human coronaviruses typically cause mild colds, while the others can lead to severe respiratory illness.
• 💧 The virus spreads primarily through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• 🏠 Coronaviruses transmit best in crowded, enclosed spaces, especially in cold weather.
• 🔬 Coronaviruses store their genes in RNA, which can lead to rapid mutations.
• 🛡️ While RNA viruses generally mutate quickly, coronaviruses have an enzyme that reduces this rate, aiding stability.
• 🦠 Mutations can help the virus evade the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of treatments and vaccines.
• 💉 No approved treatments or vaccines exist for coronaviruses, though research efforts have been initiated.
• 🌍 Increased human encroachment on animal habitats raises the risk of new coronaviruses jumping to humans, but proactive research can lessen potential impacts.

Q & A

What is the source of the coronavirus linked to SARS?

The source of the coronavirus linked to SARS was found in the bats of Shitou Cave in China.

How do coronaviruses spread?

Coronaviruses spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, and they can infect others when these droplets enter the nose or mouth.

What are the seven coronaviruses that infect humans?

The seven coronaviruses that infect humans are SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19), and four other coronaviruses that cause mild colds.

What makes coronaviruses different from most RNA viruses?

Coronaviruses are some of the largest RNA viruses, which allows them to have more genes and a unique enzyme that checks for replication errors, resulting in a slower mutation rate.

Why do we need new flu vaccines each year?

We need new flu vaccines each year because the influenza virus mutates quickly, leading to the emergence of new strains that may not be recognized by our immune systems.

How do mutations affect a virus's ability to evade the immune system?

Mutations can make a virus less recognizable to our immune systems, making it more difficult for the body to fight off subsequent infections.

What is the significance of the slower mutation rate in coronaviruses?

The slower mutation rate of coronaviruses means that our immune systems, drugs, and vaccines might be able to recognize them for a longer time after infection, providing better protection.

Have there been approved treatments or vaccines for coronaviruses before COVID-19?

No, there has never been an approved treatment or vaccine for a coronavirus prior to COVID-19, as efforts were halted when the epidemics of SARS and MERS ended.

What do scientists predict about future coronaviruses and human health?

Some scientists predict that a new coronavirus jumping to humans is inevitable as we continue to encroach on animal habitats, but investigating these risks can help prevent devastating outcomes.

What role does environmental context play in the transmission of coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses transmit best in enclosed spaces where people are close together, and cold weather helps them survive longer between hosts.