Is another pandemic just around the corner? Chinese scientists discover a new bat coronavirus that can infect humans

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Chinese researchers have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which binds to the same receptor as the COVID-19 virus. The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 has raised questions about the potential for another pandemic. The study serves as a reminder that emerging viruses continue to pose a threat, and global health monitoring remains crucial. Scientists urge continued research and surveillance to prevent another pandemic and ensure preparedness for any future outbreaks.

A team of Chinese researchers have discovered a new bat coronavirus, named HKU5-CoV-2, that has the potential to infect humans, according to reports. This virus binds to the same receptor as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Led by virologist Shi Zhengli, who is referred to as “Batwoman” for her extensive research on bat coronaviruses, the study has sparked concerns over a possible future pandemic. Researchers caution that while the virus can infect human cells, its transmission risk remains significantly lower than that of COVID-19. Here’s everything we need to know about this new virus and the potential threats it poses.

(Pic courtesy: iStock)

HKU5-CoV-2 is a newly identified bat coronavirus that belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. The virus was first detected in the Japanese pipistrelle bat species in Hong Kong and has now been found to have the ability to bind to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors—the same receptors used by SARS-CoV-2 for infection. According to the study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell, the virus can also attach to ACE2 receptors in other mammalian species, increasing the possibility of cross-species transmission.

<p>The research found that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor, the same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells. <br></p>

The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 is alarming because of its similarities to SARS-CoV-2. Both viruses use ACE2 receptors as their entry point into human cells. However, researchers have emphasized that HKU5-CoV-2 has a significantly lower efficiency in binding to human ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV-2, making the likelihood of widespread human transmission much lower. Laboratory tests showed that while HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells and lung tissues, its ability to spread rapidly among humans is far weaker than that of SARS-CoV-2.

Although the virus has been shown to infect human cells in lab settings, scientists caution against fearmongering. According to the researchers, the risk of HKU5-CoV-2 emerging as a human epidemic is not as high as that of COVID-19. The study acknowledges that bat coronaviruses pose a potential spillover risk, but not all coronaviruses found in animals successfully jump to humans. Previous outbreaks like SARS and MERS were caused by coronaviruses that had an efficient mechanism for human-to-human transmission, whereas HKU5-CoV-2 does not appear to have the same capability at this stage.

Covid-19: China curtails hunt for virus origins

The research team, which includes experts from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, stresses the importance of continuous monitoring of emerging coronaviruses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already included merbecoviruses on its list of emerging pathogens for pandemic preparedness. While the origins of COVID-19 remain debated, the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 highlights the need for better surveillance of zoonotic diseases.

The HKU5 category of coronavirus shares several symptoms with MERS, including fever, cough, fatigue, congestion, sneezing, chills, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and vomiting.”

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