Reasons for the Creation of the New Coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV2): Natural Mutation or Genetically Laboratory Manipulation-Point of View

Background and Objectives: Following the emergence of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV2, the reasons for the emergence of the novel virus have been the subject of interest for molecular biology researchers and news agencies. This article attempted to emphasize all aspects of the emergence of this virus and discuss the latest information related to its development. Materials and Methods: From the main site for articles published on COVID-19 (LitCovid), more than 34000 articles have been published, until July 22. But there have been been no scientific discussion about the reasons for the emergence of the virus due to its natural origin or genetic manipulation in research laboratories. In this review study, by collecting and reviewing 15 articles related to this topic, the scientific reasons for the emergence of this virus is analyzed. Results: Reverse genetic technology is a powerful tool for genetic instructions and design of engineered viruses to produce effective drugs and vaccines against viral infections. But dangerous viruses may also be created in this way that exhibit unknown properties. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV2 has a unique sequence in the middle of the gene encoding glycoprotein Spike (S) that is not similar to other coronaviruses. Conclusion: Due to the specific features of SARS-CoV 2 and its comparison with other coronaviruses, its emergence and novel agents has been determined in the scientific community. For this, laboratory production and genetic manipulation are possible, but whether its occurrence is accidental or intentional requires further investigation. Key words: SARS-CoV2, Recombinant virus, COVID-19, Genetic manipulation, Mutation   Ethical approval: None declared. Funding: This study did not have any funds. Conflict of interest: None declared.   How to cite this article: Zeinoddini M. Reasons for the Creation of the New Coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV2): Natural Mutation or Genetically Laboratory Manipulation-Point of View. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2020; 19 (7): 749-64. [Farsi]