New corona virus strain found in bats: Is it threat to humans? Experts weigh in

In a spectacular yet worrying discovery, researchers have found a brand-new strain of coronaviruses in bats that might someday infect humans. Published in the Cell Journal, this article considers the specter of cross-species transmission, as has been seen during previous coronavirus outbreaks.

This study, done at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was conducted under the leadership of a very well-known Chinese virologist often called 'Batwoman' for her extensive research on coronaviruses coming from bats. This study would appear five years after the first known COVID-19 outbreak in late 2019 in China.

Scientists took rectal swabs from Japanese house bats and studied these. Their results found a novel lineage of the HKU5-CoV virus capable of binding the human ACE2 enzyme, the very same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) to gain entry into human cells.

Risk of cross-species transmission

According to the study, HKU5-CoV binds not just with human ACE2 receptors but also shows compatibility with ACE2 receptors found in other mammals. This raises the risks of cross-species transmission, making it a virus of concern for possible future outbreaks.

Yet to see human cases

Until now, no confirmed cases of HKU5-CoV-2 have been found in humans. Symptoms remain unknown due to the absence of documented cases. Scientists, however, warn that infection in humans may occur after exposure to infected bats or their secretions (saliva, urine, or feces).

Need for further research

The researchers pointed out that while the virus shows potential for infection, it is unclear what effect, if any, it would have on humans. "We currently lack data on how this virus could affect humans. Further research is essential to assess its risks and transmission patterns", they said.