Genomic variations of SARS-CoV-2 and molecular diagnosis / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Rapid and accurate detection of contagium virus is a key tool for controlling the outbreak. As the number of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia is increasing and the epidemic is spreading, many hospitals, laboratories and pharmaceutical companies have developed diagnostic reagents that can detect SARS-CoV-2. Currently, genome sequencing or real-time PCR is a method for detecting SARS-CoV-2. However, there have been reported cases of negative results by nucleic acid detection but confirmed on the radiological CT scan. How to improve the diagnostic efficiency and the sensitivity of molecular detection remains to be solved. To analyze the variations in viral genomic sequence may be helpful in guiding the prevention and treatment of diseases infected by SARS-CoV-2. At present, controversy still exists over the source of SARS-CoV-2 even though the probable origin is bat in nature. This article summarizes the recent findings of SARS-CoV-2 from genetic, virological and evolutionary biological perspectives. By comparing the genomic variations among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, we hope the findings can be used in the viral detection and potential antiviral therapy. Also, it will be great if we can trace the spread of the virus from one person to another, which will be an much effective way to predict and control the spread from the virus-carrier without symptoms at the incubation period to the others.