A new coronavirus strain has been identified in bats in Brazil, raising concerns over its potential risk to humans. Researchers from São Paulo have reported that the virus shares similarities with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a deadly pathogen that has caused hundreds of fatalities worldwide. While it remains unclear whether this newly discovered virus can infect humans, scientists are preparing further studies to determine its potential threat.
A Possible Link to MERS?
MERS-CoV was first detected in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since been responsible for more than 850 deaths, with confirmed cases spread across over two dozen countries. The newly identified bat coronavirus appears to exhibit structural similarities to MERS-CoV, particularly in its spike protein, which plays a critical role in viral entry into host cells.
Bruna Stefanie Silvério, the lead researcher of the study published in the Journal of Medical Virology, explained, “Right now, we aren’t sure if this virus can infect humans, but we detected components of its spike protein that suggest possible interaction with the same receptor used by MERS-CoV.” To assess the virus’s potential for human transmission, researchers plan to conduct laboratory experiments in Hong Kong later this year.
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How Was the Virus Discovered?
For their study, scientists collected and analysed 423 oral and rectal swabs from 16 different bat species in Fortaleza, a city in northeastern Brazil. Through genetic screening, they identified seven distinct coronaviruses, with five samples showing a high similarity to MERS-related strains found in camels and humans. The infected bats belonged to two species—Molossus (insectivores) and Artibeus lituratus (frugivores).
The Threat of Viral Recombination
One of the most concerning aspects of this discovery is the presence of genetic recombination. Coronaviruses are known for their ability to mutate and exchange genetic material with other strains, which can lead to the emergence of new and potentially more infectious variants. Scientists have observed evidence of genome mixing in the newly identified virus, highlighting the vast genetic diversity of coronaviruses found in bats.
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Ricardo Durães-Carvalho, one of the study’s co-authors, stressed the importance of continuous monitoring, stating, “Bats are significant viral reservoirs and should be under constant epidemiological surveillance.” The ability of coronaviruses to adapt and jump species makes it crucial to track their evolution before they pose a public health risk.
The Need for Proactive Surveillance
The findings emphasise the critical role bats play in harbouring viruses that could spill over to humans. With the devastating impact of past coronavirus outbreaks, including SARS, MERS, and COVID-19, experts urge that stronger surveillance systems be implemented.
Dr. Durães-Carvalho concluded, “Our studies highlight the importance of making virus surveillance more systematic and integrated, involving multiple sectors. This data should be made available on unified platforms that health organisations can use to monitor and even prevent future epidemics and pandemics.”
What Happens Next?
The next step for researchers is to conduct controlled laboratory studies to assess whether this new coronavirus can infect human cells. The experiments planned in Hong Kong will help determine the virus’s potential transmission risks and provide crucial insights into its behaviour.
While there is no immediate cause for alarm, the discovery serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance in tracking emerging viruses. Scientists worldwide are calling for increased funding and global cooperation to prevent another pandemic scenario before it begins.