A newly identified bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, has been found in China by a team led by Shi Zhengli from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This virus, part of the merbecovirus subgenus, can bind to human ACE2 receptors like SARS-CoV-2, highlighting potential animal-to-human transmission. However, it has a lower binding affinity than SARS-CoV-2, and its capacity for widespread human infection remains uncertain. No human cases have been confirmed, but symptoms could resemble those of MERS or COVID-19. Researchers caution that while it does not pose an immediate threat, ongoing monitoring is essential for any mutations.
New Delhi:
A recently identified bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which is closely related to the virus that led to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been discovered in China. This finding was made by a team of virologists spearheaded by Shi Zhengli, often nicknamed “Batwoman” due to her extensive studies on coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute.
What is HKU5-CoV-2 or Bat Virus?
HKU5-CoV-2 is a newly found bat coronavirus that falls under the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus responsible for the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
Researchers discovered its ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors, akin to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). This points to its possible capacity for animal-to-human transmission.
Experts observe that HKU5-CoV-2 exhibits a lower binding affinity to human ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV-2, and its potential for widespread human infection remains unclear. Further studies are essential to ascertain whether it poses a significant health risk.
How It Can Affect Humans
- Binds to human ACE2 receptors: The virus is capable of attaching to ACE2, the same receptor utilized by SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) to invade human cells.
- Potential for spillover: Researchers have determined that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells and lab-cultured miniature lung or gut tissues after being extracted from bats.
- Intermediate hosts: The virus not only binds to human ACE2 but also to various mammalian species, suggesting it might proliferate through an intermediate animal before infecting humans.
- Lower efficiency than Covid-19: While it is capable of infecting human cells, scientists have indicated that its infection ability is considerably less effective than that of SARS-CoV-2.
The research team, led by Shi Zhengli from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, emphasized that although HKU5-CoV-2 exhibits a better adaptation to human ACE2 compared to its predecessors, it does not present an immediate pandemic risk. Ongoing surveillance is critical to monitor any potential mutations that could enhance its transmissibility.
HKU5-CoV-2 or Bat Virus: Symptoms
As of now, there are no confirmed human cases of HKU5-CoV-2, so its symptoms remain unknown. However, given its classification in the same subgenus as MERS and COVID-19, it may lead to respiratory symptoms similar to those diseases, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Body aches
How the HKU5-CoV-2 or Bat Virus can spread
This virus can transmit to humans through two main avenues:
- Direct contact from bats: Individuals who come into contact with infected bats or their bodily fluids (such as saliva, urine, or feces) may become infected.
- Via an intermediate host: The virus may first infect another animal (like a mammal) before transferring to humans, similar to the transmission patterns of some previous coronaviruses.