Genome sequence of new UK coronavirus published

The completed whole genome sequence from the UK case of confirmed novel coronavirus that was diagnosed in September 2012 has been published this week.

Scientists at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have been able to painstakingly piece together the entire virus from small amounts of material, with a view to helping determine its origin and the creation of therapies for the disease.

It is hoped researchers can establish how closely the UK case is linked to the first case of confirmed novel coronavirus, which was diagnosed in a patient from Saudi Arabia in June who subsequently died.

Currently, it is believed that there were independent sources of infection, while the closest relative to this coronavirus is thought to be a bat virus identified in 2008 in the Netherlands.

Professor Maria Zambon, director of the HPA's reference microbiology services, said: "Rapid disclosure of data enables diverse groups of scientists to study the virus in real time to help with the global health response and HPA are pleased to contribute to that."

The speed of this response reflects the lessons learned following the high-profile SARS outbreak in 2002-03.