New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China with Potential to Infect Humans
Chinese virologists have announced the discovery of a new bat coronavirus that could potentially infect humans in a manner similar to COVID-19. According to the South China Morning Post, this newly identified virus is a distinct strain of the HKU5 coronavirus, originally found in a Japanese bat in Hong Kong.
The research team, led by renowned Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli, conducted an in-depth study of this virus at a laboratory in Guangzhou. The team collaborated with experts from the Guangzhou branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as scientists from Wuhan University and the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Experts explained, “We have reported the discovery and isolation of a separate strain (Strain 2) of HKU5-CoV, which can utilize not only ACE2—the membrane protein in bats—but also human ACE2 and that of other mammals.” ACE2 is a key receptor that allows coronaviruses to enter cells, raising concerns about its cross-species transmission potential.
The researchers found that the virus, isolated from bat samples, can infect human cells. They warn that “bat viruses pose a significant risk of transmission to humans, either directly or through intermediate hosts.” This discovery underscores the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that jump from animals to humans.
According to the study, the new HKU5-CoV-2 virus may have a broader range of hosts and a higher capacity to infect different species compared to previous strains. However, the researchers caution against panic, stating, “The risk of HKU5-CoV-2 emerging in human populations should not be overstated at this stage.” Despite this reassurance, they emphasize the need for detailed and comprehensive studies to better understand the virus and its implications.
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