Chinese researchers have identified a new bat coronavirus called HKU5-CoV-2, which has the potential to infect humans via the ACE2 receptor. Although the virus can infect human cells, its transmission among humans is significantly less efficient than SARS-CoV-2. Experts emphasize the importance of surveillance for bat coronaviruses to manage potential pandemic risks.

Recent research conducted by Chinese scientists has unveiled a new bat coronavirus named HKU5-CoV-2, which has the capacity to infect humans. This virus attaches to the same receptor as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic. The lead researcher, Shi Zhengli, known for her extensive work on bat coronaviruses, has raised alarms regarding the potential for future pandemics while highlighting that the transmission risk of HKU5-CoV-2 is significantly lower than that of Covid-19.

HKU5-CoV-2, categorized under the merbecovirus subgenus, was initially discovered in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong. It binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, similar to SARS-CoV-2, which raises concerns about its capability for cross-species transmission. Laboratory studies indicate that while HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human and lung cells, its efficiency in spreading among humans is considerably inferior when compared to SARS-CoV-2.

Despite its potential to infect human cells, experts caution against panic regarding HKU5-CoV-2 possibly leading to another pandemic. Researchers stress that, unlike predecessors such as SARS and MERS, this virus lacks efficient human-to-human transmission capabilities. The study findings call for careful observation of bat coronaviruses, acknowledging their spillover risks without inducing alarm.

The research group, comprised of teams from prominent institutions in China, stresses the significance of continued monitoring of emerging coronaviruses as part of pandemic preparedness, a sentiment echoed by the World Health Organization, which considers merbecoviruses as a priority for further investigation. The emergence of HKU5-CoV-2 exemplifies the necessity for enhanced surveillance of zoonotic diseases that may pose a future threat to public health.

In conclusion, the recent discovery of HKU5-CoV-2, a new bat coronavirus, underscores the ongoing risk of zoonotic diseases. While it shares binding similarities with SARS-CoV-2, its lower transmission capability suggests that it is not an immediate threat for a pandemic. Continuous monitoring and research into coronaviruses remain critical as scientists seek to prevent potential outbreaks in the future.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com

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