A newly identified coronavirus strain found in bats in Brazil has raised concerns among scientists, as it closely resembles the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a highly fatal virus. Researchers are now investigating whether this strain could pose a threat to human health.
A Potential Public Health Risk
The newly discovered virus shares genetic similarities with MERS-CoV, a virus that has caused hundreds of fatalities since its emergence in 2012. MERS-CoV has a staggering case fatality rate of around 35%, making it one of the deadliest coronaviruses known to infect humans. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has a much lower fatality rate of approximately 2%.
The discovery of a MERS-related virus in South America is significant, as members of this virus family have previously only been identified in bats from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. This finding suggests that similar viruses may be more widespread than previously thought.
Investigating the Virus in Brazilian Bats
An international team of researchers from Brazil and China, led by Bruna Stefanie Silvério of the Federal University of São Paulo, conducted a study on 16 bat species across Brazil. The scientists collected over 400 oral and rectal swabs and identified seven distinct coronaviruses, all of which were found in just two bat species: Molossus molossus (an insectivorous bat) and Artibeus lituratus (a fruit bat).
Only one of the newly identified viruses showed genetic ties to MERS-CoV, making it a key focus for further research.
The Role of Bats in Virus Transmission
Bats have long been recognized as natural reservoirs for dangerous viruses. In 2002, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak marked the first pandemic of the 21st century, with a fatality rate of around 10%. Scientists later determined that SARS-CoV-1 originated in bats before spilling over to humans.
Similarly, MERS-CoV is believed to have jumped from bats to camels before infecting humans. While it does not spread easily between humans, it has been carried by travelers to regions including the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The presence of a MERS-like virus in Brazilian bats further highlights the global role of bats in hosting emerging infectious diseases.
Assessing the Human Threat
At this stage, scientists do not yet know if the newly identified virus can infect humans. However, researchers have detected parts of its spike protein—the component that enables viruses to bind to host cells—that suggest it may interact with the same receptor used by MERS-CoV.
To determine its potential risk to humans, scientists are planning further experiments in Hong Kong later this year.
Monitoring and Prevention
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased focus on preventing viral spillover from animals to humans. While the discovery of this new strain is concerning, early detection allows researchers to monitor its behavior and assess its risks before it becomes a major public health threat.
“Bats are important viral reservoirs and should therefore be subject to continuous epidemiological surveillance,” says Ricardo Durães-Carvalho, a biologist at the Federal University of São Paulo.
By closely tracking these viruses, scientists can stay ahead of potential outbreaks and take necessary precautions before they become global crises.
The study was published in the Journal of Medical Virology.
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