@article{200431,
  keywords = {COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, lab leak, origin, Zoonosis},
  author = {James Alwine and Arturo Casadevall and Lynn Enquist and Felicia Goodrum and Michael Imperiale},
  title = {A Critical Analysis of the Evidence for the SARS-CoV-2 Origin Hypotheses.},
  abstract = {<p>When humans experience a new, devastating viral infection such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), significant challenges arise. How should individuals as well as societies respond to the situation? One of the primary questions concerns the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that infected and was transmitted efficiently among humans, resulting in a pandemic. At first glance, the question appears straightforward to answer. However, the origin of SARS-CoV-2 has been the topic of substantial debate primarily because we do not have access to some relevant data. At least two major hypotheses have been suggested: a natural origin through zoonosis followed by sustained human-to-human spread or the introduction of a natural virus into humans from a laboratory source. Here, we summarize the scientific evidence that informs this debate to provide our fellow scientists and the public with the tools to join the discussion in a constructive and informed manner. Our goal is to dissect the evidence to make it more accessible to those interested in this important problem. The engagement of a broad representation of scientists is critical to ensure that the public and policy-makers can draw on relevant expertise in navigating this controversy.</p>
},
  year = {2023},
  journal = {Journal of virology},
  volume = {97},
  pages = {e0036523},
  month = {04/2023},
  issn = {1098-5514},
  doi = {10.1128/jvi.00365-23},
  language = {eng},
}