Purdue researcher and head of the Department of Biochemistry, Andrew Mesecar, analyzed the genome of the Wuhan coronavirus. Upon further investigation, the genome is nearly identical of that of the SARS virus.
The SARS virus killed more than 750 people in an outbreak that started in 2002. Growing concerns regarding the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus continue as the second confirmed US case has been seen in Chicago, IL. Mesescar, and his team, have previously done research on the SARS and MERS viruses with the development of successful drug targets for both diseases. Together with scientists at the Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases Mesescar hopes that this genetic similarity will give them clues into drug development.
Mesescar said, "The Wuhan virus is genetically almost identical to the SARS virus and, therefore, it is expected to look and act nearly the same. In another week or two, we'll be able to begin to see if the virus is mutating."