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Review
. 2023 Aug;95(8):e29012.
doi: 10.1002/jmv.29012.

Epidemic history and evolution of an emerging threat of international concern, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

Marta Giovanetti  1   2 , Francesco Branda  3 , Eleonora Cella  4 , Fabio Scarpa  5 , Liliana Bazzani  2 , Alessandra Ciccozzi  6 , Svetoslav Nanev Slavov  7   8 , Domenico Benvenuto  6 , Daria Sanna  5 , Marco Casu  9 , Luciane Amorim Santos  10   11   12 , Alessia Lai  13 , Giangluglielmo Zehender  13 , Francesca Caccuri  14 , Andrea Ianni  15 , Arnaldo Caruso  14 , Antonello Maroutti  16 , Stefano Pascarella  17 , Alessandra Borsetti  18 , Massimo Ciccozzi  6
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Epidemic history and evolution of an emerging threat of international concern, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

Marta Giovanetti et al. J Med Virol. 2023 Aug.
Free article

Abstract

This comprehensive review focuses on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its impact as the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its objective is to provide a cohesive overview of the epidemic history and evolutionary aspects of the virus, with a particular emphasis on its emergence, global spread, and implications for public health. The review delves into the timelines and key milestones of SARS-CoV-2's epidemiological progression, shedding light on the challenges encountered during early containment efforts and subsequent waves of transmission. Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of the virus is crucial in monitoring its potential for adaptation and future outbreaks. Genetic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 is discussed, with a focus on the emergence of new variants and their implications for transmissibility, severity, and immune evasion. The review highlights the important role of genomic surveillance in tracking viral mutations linked to establishing public health interventions. By analyzing the origins, global spread, and genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2, valuable insights can be gained for the development of effective control measures, improvement of pandemic preparedness, and addressing future emerging infectious diseases of international concern.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; emerging variants; evolution; genomic surveillance.

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References

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