The SARS-CoV-2 origin dilemma: Zoonotic transfer or laboratory leak? COMMENT

The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide yet its origin remains unclear. Two potential scenarios of how infection of humans initially occurred include zoonotic transfer from wild animals and a leak of the pathogen from a research laboratory. The Wuhan wet markets where wild animals are sold represent a strong scenario for zoonotic transfer. However, isolation of SARS-CoV-2 or its immediate predecessor from wild animals in their natural environment has yet to be documented. Due to incomplete evidence for a zoonotic origin, a laboratory origin is plausible. The Wuhan Institute of Virology is at the epicenter of the pandemic and their work has included manipulation of wild-type coronavirus to enable infection of human cells. Although stronger evidence supports the zoonotic transfer, inconclusive reports maintain the laboratory leak hypothesis alive. It is imperative to reach a factual conclusion to prevent future pandemics.

Automated summary

The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear, with two potential scenarios being zoonotic transfer and a laboratory leak. While the Wuhan wet markets provide a strong scenario for zoonotic transfer, the lack of direct evidence remains a challenge. The laboratory origin remains plausible given the work conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, highlighting the need for a definitive conclusion to prevent future pandemics.