The Hindu: Published on 19th Dec 2024:
Why in News?
The U.S. Congressional Committee led by Republican Brad Wenstrup published a report on December 2, 2024, claiming that the COVID-19 pandemic likely resulted from a lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). The report adds to the ongoing debate regarding the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and questions surrounding the lab-leak theory.
Origin of COVID and SARS-CoV-2:
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for COVID-19.
The virus first emerged in Wuhan, China, and spread rapidly across the globe, leading to a pandemic.
The report cites unconfirmed claims that researchers at WIV fell ill in autumn 2019 with symptoms similar to COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses.
This raises suspicions about whether SARS-CoV-2 accidentally leaked from the WIV.
Lab-Leak Theory:
The lab-leak theory proposes that SARS-CoV-2 may have unintentionally escaped from a laboratory rather than originating naturally.
Evidence cited in the report:
Researchers at WIV reportedly fell ill before the first confirmed outbreak.
Molecular biologist Alina Chan suggested that Wuhan houses China's foremost research lab for SARS-like viruses.
Nicholas Wade, a science writer, observed that SARS-CoV-2 has a furin cleavage site, unique among its viral family, suggesting the virus might have been genetically altered.
Furin Cleavage Site:
This site is a specific protein structure that helps SARS-CoV-2 bind to and infect human cells effectively.
Critics argue that the site could have evolved naturally rather than being engineered.
The claim is refuted by researchers from Cornell University in a 2023 paper published in The Lancet, stating the furin cleavage site could result from natural evolution.
What Else Does the Report Say?
The report alleges that the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Gain-of-Function Research:
This involves genetically modifying organisms to enhance their transmissibility or infectivity for studying virus evolution and vaccine development.
Such research is controversial because it poses biosecurity risks, including potential accidental leaks.
However, the report does not provide direct evidence to prove the lab-leak theory conclusively.
Conclusion:
The U.S. Congressional report reignites the debate around the origins of COVID-19 by suggesting that a lab-leak could be plausible, although it lacks direct proof.
While circumstantial evidence like the furin cleavage site and researchers’ illnesses raises concerns, these claims remain speculative.
Scientists worldwide emphasize the need for peer-reviewed evidence and transparent investigations to uncover the true origins of SARS-CoV-2.
The report also calls for better pandemic preparedness and impartial decision-making in future crises to avoid similar global disruptions.
