(ANSA) - ROME, APRIL 06 - A web application, called SpillOver (i.e. leap of species), classifies viruses of wild origin on the basis of their danger to humans and their risk of spreading through the leap of species from a host animal to 'human being.
Almost 900 have been identified: among the top 12 most dangerous there are also SarsCov2, together with the Lassa and Ebola viruses.
Researchers from the University of California at Davis, led by JonnaMazet, explain this in the review of the American Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
To do this, scientists have examined the studies done so far and brought together a group of experts to identify the most relevant viruses, their hosts and environmental risk factors.
Putting it all together, they have created a database of 887 wild viruses that pose a threat to humans.
At the top of the list are 12 known human pathogens, including SarsCov2, Lassa and Ebola viruses.
The new viruses discovered recently have obtained, in this ranking, higher scores, compared to others already known.
The database can be continually updated to improve the completeness and accuracy of the information and may be useful in predicting future outbreaks.
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