New Bat Coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2 Discovered in China with Human Infection Risk

A new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of infecting humans has been identified in China. The virus exhibits similarities to SARS-CoV-2, though experts express that the risk of a new pandemic should not be overstated due to existing immunity in the population. Further research is needed to evaluate the zoonotic potential of this virus.

A recently discovered bat coronavirus in China poses a risk of transmission to humans, akin to the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The South China Morning Post reports that the virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, was identified by a research team led by Shi Zhengli at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, an institution often scrutinized regarding the origins of COVID-19.

Scientists found HKU5-CoV-2 shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2 as it can interact with human ACE2 cells in the same manner as the COVID-19 virus. The new coronavirus belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which encompasses the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Laboratory experiments indicated that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cell cultures, providing evidence of its potential to affect humans.

The study notes that bat merbecoviruses have a high risk of spilling over into human populations, either directly or through intermediate hosts. However, the research suggests that the risk of this new virus infecting humans requires further investigation. Researchers found that HKU5-CoV-2 has a stronger adaptation to human ACE2 compared to its predecessor, HKU5-CoV.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert, characterized concerns regarding the emergence of another pandemic from this virus as exaggerated. He emphasized existing immunities to related SARS viruses within the population, which may lessen the potential risk of a pandemic. The study itself confirms that HKU5-CoV-2 shows lesser binding affinity to human ACE2 than SARS-CoV-2, indicating a lower likelihood of a human outbreak.

In summary, the discovery of the HKU5-CoV-2 bat coronavirus raises important questions regarding its potential for zoonotic transmission to humans. Although the risk of a new pandemic appears mitigated by existing immunities, further investigation is necessary to fully assess this newly identified virus’s impact. The findings underscore the continuing need for vigilance in monitoring emerging pathogens.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com