Aetiology: Koch's postulates fulfilled for SARS virus

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has recently emerged as a new human disease, resulting globally in 435 deaths from 6,234 probable cases (as of 3 May 2003). Here we provide proof from experimental infection of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that the newly discovered SARS-associated coronavirus (SCV) is the aetiological agent of this disease. Our understanding of the aetiology of SARS will expedite the development of diagnostic tests, antiviral therapies and vaccines, and may allow a more concise case definition for this emerging disease.

Supplementary information: The online version of this article (doi:10.1038/423240a) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Figure 1. SARS-associated coronavirus and associated lesions in macaque lungs.

a, Virus particles re-isolated from nasal swabs of infected macaques display typical coronavirus morphology. b, Diffuse alveolar damage in the lung; alveoli are flooded with highly proteinaceous fluid (arrowhead) that stains dark pink. c, Several syncytia (arrowheads) are present in the lumen of a bronchiole and surrounding alveoli. Original magnifications: a, ×200,000; b, ×150; c, ×100.