Two nearly identical sequences of the SARS virus genetic structure have been reviewed and authenticated by experts and are being rushed into print by Science, one of the world's leading scientific journals.
The publication of the virus genome should help researchers find drugs to treat the often deadly respiratory illness and to develop a vaccine to prevent the infection.
A team of Canadians first sequenced a strain of the virus that causes SARS, using specimens taken from a patient in Toronto, journal officials said yesterday.
Another form of the virus, called the Urbani strain, was sequenced shortly afterwards by a US-led team. The Urbani strain was earlier linked to a lung disease by Dutch researchers.
The sequences were posted on the internet on April 15 but are only now being peer-reviewed, a scientific step that lends credence to the accuracy of the work.
"Both research teams produced these genomic sequences quickly and efficiently, in a model of co-operation among various groups," said Don Kennedy, editor-in-chief of Science. "Because this information is crucial to the public health, Science is making it immediately available following an important and promptly conducted peer review."
Experts said the authenticated gene sequences will enable researchers to more quickly develop diagnostic tests and vaccines to combat the rapidly spreading, highly contagious respiratory disease.
More than 5400 cases have been diagnosed worldwide, with at least 375 deaths. In the US, there are at least 53 probable cases, with more than 200 others considered suspicious but not yet officially tested. There have been no reported SARS deaths in the US.
The gene sequencing confirms that SARS is a new variety of coronavirus. Other members of the coronavirus group cause respiratory disease in chickens and turkeys, a mild respiratory disease in humans, and a form of hepatitis in mice. The virus's name comes from its shape which resembles the corona of the sun.
Researchers, however, said they found key differences in genetic sequences suggesting that SARS is a novel form of coronavirus and not a recent mutation of a known variety.
Both of the sequencing studies have identified genetic pieces of the virus that may contain instructions for protein production, along with genes that enable the virus to infect cells and to reproduce, officials at Science said in a statement.
"These findings set the stage for further investigation into the viral proteins' functions, possibly uncovering new targets for therapies or vaccines," the journal said in a statement.