A team of Chinese researchers has discovered a new bat coronavirus called ‘HKU5-Cov-2’ that has the potential to infect humans, according to reports. The virus binds to the same receptor as SARS-CoV-2, the deadly virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic.
The discovery was led by Shi Zhengli, known as “Batwoman” for her extensive research on bat coronaviruses. Researchers have warned that the virus can infect human cells but its transmission risk remains significantly lower than that of Covid-19 pandemic.
HKU5-CoV-2 is closely related to the coronavirus family that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome. 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.
While HKU5-CoV-2 is concerning due to its similarities to SARS-CoV-2, researchers highlight that it binds to human ACE2 receptors far less efficiently than SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory tests confirm that while HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells and lung tissues, its capacity to spread quickly among humans is significantly weaker.
Scientists urge caution against fearmongering, despite evidence that the virus can infect human cells in laboratory settings. Researchers emphasize that the likelihood of HKU5-CoV-2 causing a human epidemic is lower than that of COVID-19.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/new-virus-in-china-hku5-cov-2-what-is-hku5-cov-2-the-new-bat-coronavirus-in-china-that-could-trigger-another-covid-19-pandemic/articleshow/118470495.cms?from=mdr