Hong Kong authorities have also reported an eighth person - an 80-year-old man suffering from heart disease - had died from the illness., bringing the toll worldwide to 13.

Another 25 people have also been diagnosed with the virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong to 242.

The scientists said they had cultured the virus that causes the deadly pneumonia-like illness - giving hope that SARS could be contained.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that with the virus now isolated, scientists could focus on characterising the agent, determine its relationship with known viruses and establish a definitive identity.

The results of the team's research will be shared among 11 leading laboratories in a global network set up by the WHO.