Evolution patterns of SARS-CoV-2: Snapshot on its genome variants

An acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) with a high rate of morbidity and elevate mortality, has emerged as one of the most important threats to humankind in the last centuries. Rigorous determination of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity is ver y difficult owing to the continuous evolution of the virus, with its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants and many lineages. However, it is urgently necessa r y to study the virus in depth, to understand the mechanism of its pathogenicity and virulence, and to develop effective therapeutic strategies. The present contribution summarizes in a succinct way the current knowledge on the evolutionar y and structural features of the virus, with the aim of clarifying its mutational pattern and its possible role in the ongoing pandemic . (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The novel coronavirus causing COVID-19 is a major threat with high morbidity and mortality rates, making it difficult to determine infectivity due to continuous evolution. It is urgent to study the virus deeply to understand its pathogenicity and virulence and develop effective therapeutic strategies. This article summarizes current knowledge on the virus's evolutionary and structural features to clarify its mutational pattern and potential role in the ongoing pandemic.