Tracing the origins of SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review of genomic, epidemiological, and animal-sampling evidence

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China, highlighted the importance of understanding viralevolution and the pathways through which pathogens emerge. This systematic review examined genomic,epidemiological, and animal-sampling evidence to evaluate proposed explanations for the origins of SARSCoV-2. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020guidelines, literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and accessible full-textrepositories. Of the 26 records initially identified, 15 publications met the eligibility criteria and were includedin the qualitative synthesis. The findings indicate that genomic and molecular epidemiological analysessupport zoonotic emergence, while early case patterns and environmental findings from the Huanan SeafoodWholesale Market provide additional evidence relevant to possible animal-to-human transmission. However,the immediate animal source and precise transmission pathway remain unresolved. The review also identifiedlimitations associated with incomplete early epidemiological records, environmental sampling, and gaps inaccess to relevant information. Overall, the available evidence favors zoonotic emergence, although furtherinvestigation and transparent data sharing are necessary to clarify the circumstances surrounding the virus'semergence.