New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in Brazil: Implications and Risks Unclear

A newly discovered coronavirus in Brazilian bats shows a genetic similarity of about 72% to the Mers virus, though its risk to humans is yet undetermined. Future studies will be conducted at high-security labs in Hong Kong to further investigate this virus and its public health implications, highlighting the significance of bats in viral emergence and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Recent research has uncovered a novel coronavirus in bats located in Brazil, which exhibits similarities to the Mers virus, although the risks it poses to humans remain indeterminate. This study, conducted by researchers from São Paulo and Ceará in partnership with Hong Kong University, identified a genetic similarity of around 72 percent between the newly discovered virus and Mers-CoV, particularly in the spike protein crucial for virus entry into host cells.

The Mers virus, originally identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012, has resulted in more than 850 fatalities and numerous cases across various countries. The new Brazilian bat coronavirus presents a spike protein that shares 71.74 percent similarity with that of the Mers virus.^1 Bruna Stefanie Silvério, the first author of the study, noted, “Right now we aren’t sure it can infect humans… suggesting potential interaction with the receptor used by Mers-CoV.” This finding raises concerns regarding potential zoonotic transmission.

Further experiments are planned in high-biosecurity laboratories in Hong Kong to assess the risks associated with this new virus. According to co-author Ricardo Durães-Carvalho, such monitoring is essential for identifying circulating viruses and their transmission risks to humans and other animals. Published in the Journal of Medical Virology, the study involved screening 423 swabs from various bat species, leading to the identification of seven coronaviruses.

Researchers discovered significant genetic similarities between the new virus and Mers-related strains found in humans and camels, alongside evidence of genetic recombination among bat viruses. This research highlights the extensive genetic diversity and continuous evolution occurring within coronaviruses in Brazil. Dr. Durães-Carvalho emphasized the importance of continuous epidemiological surveillance for bats, stating, “Bats are important viral reservoirs and should therefore be submitted to continuous epidemiological surveillance.”

This study reinforces the vital role bats play in the emergence of new viruses and the necessity for sustained public health monitoring. Researchers underscore the importance of systematic and integrated analyses across multiple sectors to facilitate effective epidemic and pandemic prevention strategies.

In summary, the discovery of a new bat coronavirus in Brazil, closely related to the Mers virus, underscores the urgent need for further research to evaluate its potential risks to human health. The study highlights bats as significant reservoirs of viruses and stresses the importance of continued surveillance efforts. Future experiments will aid in understanding the transmission dynamics and preventive measures against possible zoonotic infections.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk