1 Pathogenic Characteristics

The novel coronavirus 2019(2019-nCoV, officially named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] by ICTV)belongs to the genus β, with envelope, round or elliptic and often pleomorphic form, and 60–140 nm in diameter. The virus genetically differs considerably from those of SARSr-CoV and MERSr-CoV. Current studies show that the homology between 2019-nCoV and bat-SARS-like coronavirus(bat-SL-CoVZC45)is over 85%. When cultured in vitro, 2019-nCoV can be found in human respiratory epithelial cells after about 96 hours, while it takes about 6 days to isolate and culture Vero E6 and Huh-7 cell lines.

Knowledge on the physical and chemical characteristics of coronaviruses is mainly derived from the study of SARSr-CoV and MERSr-CoV. Coronaviruses are sensitive to ultraviolet rays and heat, and can be effectively inactivated by heating at 56 °C for 30 min and lipid solvents such as ether, 75% ethanol, chlorine-containing disinfectant, peroxyacetic acid and chloroform except chlorhexidine.