Animal coronaviruses

Koronavirusi su patogeni ljudi, većine domaćih i mnogih divljih životinja. Koronavirusi šišmiša zadobili su posebnu pažnju nakon epidemije SARS-a, kada se spoznalo da su šišmiši izvor i rezervoar ogromne raznolikosti koronavirusa sa zoonotskim potecijalom. Taksonomski se koronavirusi klasificiraju u četiri roda; rodovi Alphacoronavirus i Betacoronavirus zaražavaju sisavce, a Gammacoronavirus i Deltacoronavirus uglavnom ptice. Šišmiši su se pokazali kao izvanredan domaćin koronavirusima zbog specifičnog imunosnog sustava i života u napučenim i heterogenim kolonijama. Jugoistočna Azija dom je velike biološke raznolikosti šišmiša, a time i njihovih koronavirusa. Tri od četiri nedavne epidemije uzrokovane emergentnim koronavirusima ljudi ili životinja ishodište su imale u Kini. Mutacija, rekombinacija i prirodna selekcija mehanizmi su molekularne evolucije koronavirusa. Koronavirusi domaćih životinja uzrokuju niz respiratornih i enteričkih bolesti, skloni su nastanku novih sojeva, često s visokom stopom smrtnosti te niskim učinkom profilakse pa mogu predstavljati model za bolje, holističko razumijevanje koronavirusa te sprječavanje pojave budućih sojeva s epidemijskim potencijalom.Coronaviruses are pathogens of humans, most domestic and wild animals. Bat coronaviruses came into spotlight during SARS pandemic as bats proved to be the source and reservoir of numerous coronaviruses with zoonotic potential. Taxonomy classifies coronaviruses in four genera; Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus are pathogens of humans, bats and other mammals, while genera Gammacoronavirus and Deltacoronavirus predominantly infect birds. Bats are unique hosts of coronaviruses because they have a specific immune system and live in diverse and dense colonies. Southeast Asia is characterized by biodiversity of bats and consequently their coronaviruses; three of four recent outbreaks caused by emergent coronaviruses of humans and livestock originated in China. Mutation, recombination and natural selection are mechanisms of molecular evolution of coronaviruses. Livestock and pet coronaviruses cause respiratory and enteric diseases and are prone to emergence of new strains, resulting in high mortality rates and low effectivness of prophylaxis. As such they are compelling model for a better, holistic understanding of coronaviruses and future prevention of new strains with epidemic potential