New Coronavirus Discovered in Brazilian Bats Shows Similarities to MERS-CoV
A new coronavirus, discovered in bats in Brazil, has shown notable genetic similarities to the deadly MERS-CoV, raising concerns among scientists.
Genetic Similarity and Potential Risk
Researchers from São Paulo and Ceará, in collaboration with Hong Kong University (HKU), identified the virus and found that it shares 72% of its genetic sequence with MERS-CoV. The spike protein, which allows the virus to attach to host cells, exhibited a 71.74% similarity to the MERS virus.
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While its risk to humans is unclear, scientists are conducting further investigations to determine its potential threat.
PhD candidate Bruna Stefanie Silvério, the study’s author, explained:
“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.”
Research Findings and Virus Evolution
The study, published in the Journal of Medical Virology, involved screening 423 oral and rectal swabs from 16 bat species. Scientists identified seven coronaviruses from five different bat species in Fortaleza, northeastern Brazil.
The newly discovered virus showed high genetic similarity to MERS-related coronaviruses found in humans and camels. Additionally, evidence of genetic recombination suggests the virus may be evolving rapidly.
Need for Continuous Surveillance
Co-author Ricardo Durães-Carvalho highlighted the importance of monitoring:
“This helps identify circulating viruses and risks of transmission to other animals, and even to humans.”
He further stressed the need for ongoing surveillance, stating:
“Bats are important viral reservoirs and should therefore be submitted to continuous epidemiological monitoring.”
The findings emphasize the genetic diversity of coronaviruses and the risk of future outbreaks, reinforcing the need for global vigilance and research.
