Researchers have discovered a new strain of coronavirus in Brazilian bats, closely related to MERS-CoV, which could pose health risks to humans. This finding necessitates further research and tests to determine the potential for human infection. The role of bats as reservoirs for deadly viruses calls for increased epidemiological surveillance of these animals.
Recent research indicates that Brazilian bats host a diverse range of coronaviruses, including a new strain which may present a future health risk to humans. Concern exists due to its similarity to the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), notorious for its high fatality rate, reaching almost 35% in infected individuals. This finding has prompted scientists to explore the potential for this strain to infect humans through future testing in secure laboratories.
The MERS coronavirus was first recognized in 2012 and has been linked to 858 fatalities, primarily in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, with the virus being the highest mortality coronavirus known to affect humans. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has a case fatality rate of approximately 2%.
An international team, led by Bruna Stefanie Silvério from the Federal University of São Paulo, conducted research involving 16 bat species across Brazil, collecting over 400 samples. They identified seven distinct coronaviruses, predominantly within two bat species: Molossus molossus and Artibeus lituratus, with one variant closely related to MERS-CoV. This discovery marks the first record of MERS-CoV relatives found in South America, indicating an expansion of their known geographic range.
Historically, bats have been recognized as reservoirs for viruses posing risks to humans, as demonstrated by the emergence of SARS in 2002-2003 and MERS in 2012, both traced back to bats. The identification of a MERS-like strain in Brazilian bats emphasizes the significant role these mammals play in the emergence of zoonotic diseases.
Silvério remarked, “Right now we aren’t sure it can infect humans, but we detected parts of the virus’s spike protein suggesting potential interaction with the receptor used by MERS-CoV.” Further studies are planned in Hong Kong this year to ascertain the virus’s ability to infect humans.
Given the increased awareness since 2020 regarding coronaviruses emerging from wildlife, the discovery of this virus in Brazil presents an opportunity for monitoring and understanding potential risks. Co-author Ricardo Durães-Carvalho noted that continuous epidemiological surveillance of bats is essential to mitigate future threats.
The research is documented in the Journal of Medical Virology, underscoring the importance of vigilance in monitoring potential viral spillovers from bats to humans.
The discovery of a close relative of the MERS coronavirus in Brazilian bats raises concerns about potential future health risks to humans. While the ability of this strain to infect humans remains uncertain, ongoing surveillance and research will be critical in understanding its implications. The findings highlight the vital role of bats in harboring emerging viruses and the need for continued monitoring to prevent zoonotic outbreaks.
Original Source: www.sciencealert.com
