SARS-CoV

SARS-CoV is a virus responsible for the SARS disease.

Characteristics of SARS-CoV

The SARS-CoV virus (or SARS Coronavirus) belongs to the Coronaviridaefamily and Coronavirusgenus. It has a positive linear RNA genome of 30,000 nucleotides which code for around ten proteins. It is encapsulated in a small spherical viral particle approximately one hundred nanometres in diameter. Viral glycoproteins are found on the surface anchored to the envelope membrane which originates from the cell.

SARS-CoV and SARS

The virus was discovered in 2003 following the Asian SARS epidemic which worried the whole world. Although Coronaviruses usually cause colds, SARS-CoV caused an epidemic which was fatal in approximately 15% of infected people. Because of its recent discovery, there are still many mysteries to solve about the virus.