What does the coronavirus genetically cluster with ?

What does the coronavirus genetically cluster with ?

 Coronaviruses genetically cluster with other viruses within the same coronavirus family. They belong to the family Coronaviridae and are further classified into different genera, including Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus, and Deltacoronavirus.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, belongs to the Betacoronavirus genus. It is genetically related to other betacoronaviruses such as the original SARS-CoV virus that caused the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2002-2003, and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) responsible for the MERS outbreak in 2012.

These viruses share certain genetic similarities due to their common classification within the same genus, but they also have distinct genetic differences that contribute to their unique characteristics and the diseases they cause.


Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can infect a variety of animals, including humans. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is genetically most closely related to bat coronaviruses.

In 2020, researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology published a study in the journal Nature that found that SARS-CoV-2 shared 96.2% of its genetic sequence with a bat coronavirus called RaTG13. This suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may have originated in bats and then spread to humans through an intermediate animal host.

Other coronaviruses that are genetically similar to SARS-CoV-2 include:

  • Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): This virus caused the MERS outbreak in 2012-2013. It is thought to have originated in camels.
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV): This virus caused the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003. It is thought to have originated in bats.

Coronaviruses are constantly evolving, and new strains can emerge that are more transmissible or more deadly. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest information about coronaviruses and to take steps to protect yourself from infection.