Researchers have discovered a new coronavirus in bats in Brazil that is approximately 72 percent similar to the Mers virus. Although its risk to humans remains unclear, studies are planned at high-security labs in Hong Kong to assess its potential threat. The study’s findings underscore the importance of monitoring bat populations as viral reservoirs to prevent future outbreaks.
A new coronavirus identified in bats in Brazil displays notable similarities to the Mers virus, though its potential risk to humans remains uncertain. Collaborative research involving institutions from São Paulo and Ceará, alongside the University of Hong Kong, indicates that the genetic makeup of this novel coronavirus shares about 72 percent similarity to Mers-CoV.
First emerging in Saudi Arabia in 2012, the Mers virus has been responsible for over 850 fatalities globally, affecting multiple nations. The Brazilian coronavirus’s spike protein, crucial for attaching to host cells, exhibits 71.74 percent similarity to that of the Mers virus. Bruna Stefanie Silvério, the study’s first author, noted, “Right now we aren’t sure it can infect humans, but we detected parts of the virus’s spike protein suggesting potential interaction with the receptor used by Mers-CoV.”
Plans are underway for further experimentation at high-biosecurity labs in Hong Kong to assess any human risks posed by the newly discovered virus. Ricardo Durães-Carvalho, a co-author of the study, expressed that ongoing monitoring is essential to pinpoint the transmission risks of circulating viruses to animals and humans alike.
The findings of the study, published in the Journal of Medical Virology (JMV), stemmed from screening 423 oral and rectal swabs from 16 different bat species in Fortaleza, Brazil. The research identified seven coronaviruses across five bat samples, revealing significant genetic connections to Mers-related strains found in humans and camels.
Additionally, the researchers observed genomic mixing characteristic of a process termed recombination, underscoring the genetic diversity of coronaviruses and the emergence of novel strains among bats in Brazil. Dr. Durães-Carvalho stated, “Bats are important viral reservoirs and should therefore be submitted to continuous epidemiological surveillance.”
Overall, this study highlights the vital role of bats as reservoirs for emerging viral threats and reinforces the critical need for continuous monitoring of public health risks associated with coronaviruses. The scientists advocate for systematic and integrated analyses across sectors to utilize consolidated data for monitoring and potentially preventing future epidemics or pandemics.
The recent discovery of a new coronavirus in Brazilian bats, closely related to the Mers virus, illustrates the importance of ongoing surveillance in tracking potential viral threats to human health. With a genetic similarity of 72 percent to Mers-CoV and a significant spike protein resemblance, scientists stress the necessity of monitoring these viruses. Future lab experiments in Hong Kong aim to further clarify the risks involved, emphasizing bats’ critical role in the emergence of novel pathogens and the need for a coordinated approach in public health monitoring.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
