Mutation and Pangolins main source of COVID-19

According to a research published in the journal “Pathogen”, virus jumped to humans from Pangolins. Also, mutation was the main reason for the virus to target human cells so easily and hence leads to fast spread of the virus.

Highlights

The study has found that the virus has jumped to humans from Pangolins. Pangolins are the most trafficked animals in China. They are traded for their medicinal values. The initial cases of the virus were reported to have originated from the Hunan market of Wuhan city where illegal trade of Pangolins is common. Wuhan was the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak.

How does the Virus enter Human Cells?

The COVID-19 virus has a spike protein. These proteins contain Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) that facilitates the entry of the virus. The RBD binds with the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) found in lungs, heart, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

Mutation

The researchers say that COVID-19 is a mutated version of SARS virus that created an epidemic in 2002-03. Also, the mutation increased their ability to get bonded to ACE-2 enzymes.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020