The hVoC-EMC virus, detected in the Middle East in September 2012, is closely related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The latter has caused the death of more than 8,000 people since its Asian outbreak in 2003.

Human spread
The novel coronavirus has already caused the death of nine people. Cases in three members of a single family in Great Britain in February 2013 suggest the serious possibility of human to human spread.

Nature
In order to jump to humans, viruses must evolve so as to be able to latch onto proteins on the surface of human cells. The researchers stated in a paper published in Nature that spikes on the surface of the virus do indeed bind to DPP4, a well-known receptor protein on human cells. This receptor is found on cells deep in the human lungs.

Reinfected
The receptor protein is present in many animals and could easily jump between species. Humans might therefore continue to be reinfected. This in vitro infection is not even seen in the SARS virus or other coronaviruses.

Prevent
“The findings should help researchers find ways of developing potential drugs or vaccines to block the DPP4 receptors and prevent infection”, says Dr Bart Haagmans, expert on Hepatitis and SARS at Erasmus MC, on Foxnews.

Read more on Foxnews.com.

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