In China, scientists have identified at least 20 new viruses in bats, sparking “urgent concerns” that they could go on to infect livestock and humans in the future.
Genetic Sequencing Reveals Alarming Virus Strains in China
The researchers employed genetic sequencing to spot 22 viruses in kidney tissue of 142 bats. These were gathered from Yunnan province in China between 2017 and 2021. Two are genetically close relatives of Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, Newsweek reported.
The viruses were capable of causing inflammation of the brain and life-threatening respiratory illness among humans, reported The Sun.
The research exposed species of bacteria as well as a parasite, which previously did not know anything about them.
Post-COVID Fears Resurface Amid New Discoveries in China
It comes only a few years after the deadly COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives globally. Its first reported case was confirmed in Wuhan city in China late in 2019.
Wuhan Virus Research Centre is renowned for conducting research on the coronaviruses present in bats. Previously, hypotheses existed stating that the pandemic began after the virus had escaped from the Wuhan lab, possibly by means of an infected staff member.
Bats Roosting Near Human Habitats Pose Fresh Risk
Within the most recent studies, the researchers discovered that the bats were roosting close to fruit orchards, which lay beside rural but inhabited villages.
The scientists have cautioned that urine may act as a transmission route in henipaviruses, increasing the possibility of these bats infecting fruits, which are eaten by humans or animals. This may potentially open the way to another outbreak.
New Henipaviruses Identified: Yunnan Bat 1 and 2
The research discusses the identification of two new henipaviruses that were previously unknown, named Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2. It points out the first complete-length genomes of this virus type found in Chinese bats.
In a statement, molecular virology professor Vinod Balasubramaniam described these viruses as “concerning” since they were found in bat kidneys, “a location associated with urine formation, causing fears of possible human exposure through infected fruit or water.”
Henipaviruses have been blamed for some deadly outbreaks in the past. The newly discovered Yunnan bat viruses, the study noted, 52% to 57% share genetic material with other counterparts.
Apart from this, the team has also discovered a previously unknown single-celled parasite called Klossiella yunnanensis.
FAQs
1. Is the China bat virus dangerous?
New viruses found in bat kidneys in China’s Yunnan “underscore critical zoonotic threats,” the study authors said. They added that the potential for such viruses to infect humans or animals needs urgent attention.
2. Will there be another pandemic from bats?
As of now, researchers have not indicated about another pandemic.
3. What virus is spreading in China?
Researchers have found at least 20 new viruses within bats in the country.