SARSCoV1

SARS-CoV-1, also known as SARS-CoV, is a coronavirus that caused the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2002–2004. It belongs to the genus Betacoronavirus, subgenus Sarbecovirus, within the family Coronaviridae. The virus is distinct from SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

Genome and biology: SARS-CoV-1 is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus with a genome of about 29.7 kilobases. Its genome encodes two large replicase polyproteins (ORF1a/1b) and structural proteins spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N), along with several accessory proteins. The spike glycoprotein mediates binding to the ACE2 receptor on host cells and facilitates entry after proteolytic activation by host proteases such as TMPRSS2.

Outbreak and transmission: The virus emerged in Guangdong, China, in late 2002, with linked human cases arising from an animal source. SARS-CoV-1 spread through close contact and respiratory droplets, with superspreading events contributing to amplification. Global transmission occurred across 29 countries before containment.

Clinical and epidemiology: Infection ranges from mild fever and malaise to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. The case fatality rate is estimated to be about 9–12%, higher in older adults and those with comorbidities. Diagnosis relies on molecular and serological tests, and management focuses on supportive care; limited antiviral options showed inconsistent benefit.

Reservoir and control: Bats are believed to be the natural reservoir, with occasional intermediate hosts such as civet cats implicated in transmission to humans. Public health measures, including isolation, surveillance, infection control, and travel advisories, brought the outbreak under control by mid-2003, with WHO declaring SARS contained in 2003.

Impact and legacy: SARS-CoV-1 prompted major improvements in coronavirus diagnostics, outbreak response, and infection-control practices, informing responses to later coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.