The Contentious Origins of SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Review of Current Knowledge

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019 triggered a global pandemic (COVID-19) that has claimed millions of lives and continues to impact public health systems worldwide. This review examines current scientific evidence regarding the virus's origins, focusing on two primary hypotheses: zoonotic spillover and laboratory-related emergence. A comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature primarily published between December 2023 and January 2025 was conducted, identifying relevant studies through searches of the PubMed and Scopus databases. Key earlier publications are also included to provide essential background and context. The analysis revealed strong phylogenetic evidence supporting a natural zoonotic origin, with several studies indicating close genetic relationships to bat coronaviruses. Environmental sampling data from the Huanan Seafood Market detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a high number of environmental samples from animal stalls. While the preponderance of evidence supports natural zoonotic spillover, the absence of a definitively identified intermediate host maintains some uncertainty. This review concludes with evidence-based recommendations for enhanced viral surveillance, implementation of One Health approaches, and strengthened international collaboration frameworks to prevent future coronavirus pandemics.