Researchers have discovered a new bat coronavirus named HKU5-CoV-2 in China, which shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory tests reveal its capacity to infect human cells, raising concerns about zoonotic transmission. Despite fears of a new pandemic, experts assert that current immunity levels in the population may mitigate risks significantly.
A newly identified bat coronavirus, termed HKU5-CoV-2, has been discovered in China, raising concerns about potential animal-to-human transmission. This virus exhibits similarities to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its capacity to enter human cells through ACE2 receptors. The research team was led by Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist known for her extensive work on coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute, which has faced scrutiny regarding the origins of COVID-19.
HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the virus associated with Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Laboratory tests revealed that HKU5-CoV-2 can effectively infect human cell cultures within mini-organ models. The study indicated that bat merbecoviruses related to MERS-CoV pose a significant risk of zoonotic spillover, although further investigations are needed to ascertain the direct risks to human health.
The research indicated the structural adaptability of HKU5-CoV-2 to human ACE2, noting that it is more adept than its predecessor, lineage 1 HKU5-CoV. The scientists concluded their findings by emphasizing the potential zoonotic risk of this new coronavirus lineage found in bats. However, it remains uncertain whether this virus poses an immediate threat to human populations.
In response to concerns about a potential new pandemic stemming from this discovery, Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert, deemed the reaction as exaggerated. He pointed out that the population has developed substantial immunity to similar viruses, thereby reducing pandemic risks significantly. Additionally, studies suggest that HKU5-CoV-2 has a lower affinity for human ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV-2, which further mitigates concerns about its transmissibility in humans.
In conclusion, the identification of HKU5-CoV-2 in bats illustrates the ongoing research in zoonotic diseases and the potential threats they pose to human health. While the virus has shown binding capabilities to human cells, the risks of it causing another pandemic should not be overstated, given the current immunity levels within the population. Ongoing research is crucial to fully understand its implications.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
