Researchers in Brazil identified a new coronavirus in bats, raising doubts regarding its possible threat to humans. The virus, highly similar to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), was identified after thorough research carried out by São Paulo and Ceará teams in conjunction with Hong Kong University.
Genetic Similarity to MERS-CoV
The research, which has been published in the Journal of Medical Virology, points out that this new virus has approximately 72% of its genetic makeup identical to MERS-CoV. Even more alarmingly is the similarity of its spike protein — the most important component of the virus about adhering to host cells — that is 71.74% similar to that of MERS-CoV. This similarity suggests the potential for the new virus to interact with the same receptors that MERS-CoV utilises to infect humans.
MERS-CoV, which was discovered in 2012, is a viral respiratory infection that has the potential to bring about mild to severe symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. It has the potential to result in pneumonia among some patients and has been at the centre of major outbreaks in the past. Despite this, scientists are not yet certain regarding the infectious potential of this newly identified virus.
Future Research and Concerns
Bruna Stefanie Silvério, the author of the study, said that scientists are going to conduct additional experiments in Hong Kong this year to see if the new virus can infect humans. The experiments will be important in assessing the possible risk it presents and coming up with early intervention measures if necessary.
Ricardo Durães-Carvalho, co-author of the study, stressed the need for ongoing monitoring. “Bats are viral reservoirs of importance and should thus be subjected to ongoing epidemiological surveillance. Such monitoring allows us to detect circulating viruses and transmission risks to other animals, and even to humans,” he said.
Call for Enhanced Monitoring
In their research, the scientists took 423 oral and rectal swabs from 16 bat species in Fortaleza, northeastern Brazil. Seven coronaviruses were isolated, and the new one was found to be highly similar to coronaviruses related to MERS previously isolated from humans and camels.
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Experts now advocate for increased systematic and integrated examination of viruses from wildlife. Greater surveillance and information-sharing platforms might assist health systems in tracing and anticipating potential outbreaks earlier, preventing their spread. There is as yet no proof of human infection, but researchers remain alert to the fact that the early warning is essential in order to avert the next global health threat.
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