Did the corona virus come from Germany to Italy? A Cambridge study analyzes virus trees - the results suggest a steep thesis.
- The corona virus * has spread worldwide.
- Geneticists and archaeologists are particularly interested in how exactly the distribution went.
- With their research they want to contribute to more effectively curbing the further spread.
- Here you will find the Corona News from Germany, current numbers of cases in Germany as a map * and current recommendations on Corona protective measures *.
Munich - Phylogenetic network analyzes can be used to decipher how living organisms or viruses develop or spread. A team of British and German researchers has now taken advantage of this: Under the leadership of the University of Cambridge , a study was carried out to demonstrate how the virus spread from China to the world. One thesis on the origin of the dramatic developments in Italy seems to be nullified - another is gaining relevance.
Coronavirus spread: Three different types
By comparing the amino acids of viruses - the researchers * took their data from internationally available databases - you get three genealogies of viruses. The Cambridge researchers speak of the following types:
- Type A: the virus similar to that found in bats in Wuhan
- Type B: A few mutations of type A
- Type C: comes from type B
Genome analysis SARS-Cov2 by researchers at Cambridge University
According to the researchers, type A viruses were found primarily in China and neighboring Asian countries and with only a few exceptions also in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and Mexico. Type B viruses are mainly found in eastern Asia - all type B viruses outside have in turn changed. Type C viruses are mainly found in Europe, hardly in China.
Tracking down the genetic origins of the coronavirus https://t.co/B0LHAF7rnG
A group of international researchers from the fields of genetics and archeology from Kiel and Cambridge have used phylogenetic network analyzes to determine the origin and spread of the… pic.twitter.com/cFQb9OI2sj
Corona virus spread: from Germany to Italy?
As the Focus writes, the researchers also assume that the real origin of the dramatic developments, for example in the Lombardy region, is not in China. Although there are many business connections to China there, the absolute majority of the viruses found are derived from viruses found in Germany, where a Webasto employee had contracted from an employee of a Chinese supplier. The somewhat older thesis, which attributes the spread in Italy and the search for patient zero * to cases in Germany, seems to be confirmed again.
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* Merkur.de is part of the Germany-wide Ippen-Digital editors network.