A Critical Analysis of the Evidence for the SARS-CoV-2 Origin Hypotheses

• Published in: Journal of virology Vol. 97; no. 4; p. e0036523
• Main Authors: Alwine, James C., Casadevall, Arturo, Enquist, Lynn W., Goodrum, Felicia D., Imperiale, Michael J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society for Microbiology 27.04.2023
• Subjects: Animals, Wild - virology; Chiroptera - virology; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 - transmission; COVID-19 - virology; Editorial; Humans; Laboratories - standards; Pandemics; Research - standards; SARS-CoV-2 - classification; SARS-CoV-2 - genetics; SARS-CoV-2 - physiology; Scientific Experimental Error; Viral Zoonoses - transmission; Viral Zoonoses - virology; Virology; COVID-19; coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; lab leak; zoonosis; origin
• ISSN: 0022-538X; 1098-5514; 1098-5514
• DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00365-23

When humans experience a new, devastating viral infection such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), significant challenges arise. How should individuals as well as societies respond to the situation? One of the primary questions concerns the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that infected and was transmitted efficiently among humans, resulting in a pandemic. When humans experience a new, devastating viral infection such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), significant challenges arise. How should individuals as well as societies respond to the situation? One of the primary questions concerns the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that infected and was transmitted efficiently among humans, resulting in a pandemic. At first glance, the question appears straightforward to answer. However, the origin of SARS-CoV-2 has been the topic of substantial debate primarily because we do not have access to some relevant data. At least two major hypotheses have been suggested: a natural origin through zoonosis followed by sustained human-to-human spread or the introduction of a natural virus into humans from a laboratory source. Here, we summarize the scientific evidence that informs this debate to provide our fellow scientists and the public with the tools to join the discussion in a constructive and informed manner. Our goal is to dissect the evidence to make it more accessible to those interested in this important problem. The engagement of a broad representation of scientists is critical to ensure that the public and policy-makers can draw on relevant expertise in navigating this controversy.