Is the Origin and Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Ingenuous?

Abstract

The inability to identify the source of origin of SARS-CoV-2 even after more than twenty months of its emergence is intriguing and challenges the scientists and the public health personnel alike. Apprehension has been raised in certain quarters that some sort of human interference has taken place in the already dynamic gene pool of coronaviruses, which is a matter of concern. The need to have a scientific audit is paramount to unearth the real narrative about its origin as the precipitous assumption based on reports of human case incidences of infectious respiratory viral diseases having pandemic potential from a specific region is scientifically premature and it does not conclusively confirm the region to be the place of origin of the viral pathogen. Delineation of the source of origin of SARS-CoV-2 is vital for formulating strategies for the prevention of future outbreaks of viral zoonotic diseases if any, development of effective candidate vaccines, and designing target specific drugs. Further, this will put to rest the controversy about the origin and emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and create an ambience for cooperative functioning among the global stakeholders. It is pertinent to have comprehensive scrutiny of the laboratories conducting experimental research on coronaviruses particularly bat and other suspected mammalian beta-coronaviruses to avert such calamitous situations in future. Mitigation of the disastrous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is a global responsibility and necessitates joint efforts from all stakeholders across the globe.