A team of Chinese researchers has discovered New bat coronvirusNominated HKU5-Cov-2According to the report, humans have the ability to infect. This virus binds the same receptor as Sars-Cov-2, the virus responsible for the Covid-19 epidemic.
The study has expressed concern over the epidemic of a possible future, led by virologist Shi Zhengli, for his extensive research on Bat Koronwirus. Researchers take precautions that when the virus can infect human cells, its transmission is much lower than the exposure risk covid-19. Here is everything that we need to know about it New virus And it becomes with possible hazards.
What is HKU5-Cov-2?
(Pic courtesy: istock)
HKU5-Cov-2 is a newly recognized bat Koronwirus which is related Merbecovirus subgenusWhich also includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) virus. The virus was first found in Japanese Pipstrell Bat species in Hong Kong and now the ability to tie human angiotensin-converted enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptors–The same receptors used by SARS-COV-2 for transmission . According to the study, which was published in the peer-review journal cell, the virus can also attach Ace2 receptors to other mammals species, which increases the chances of transmission of cross-species.
How does it compare Sars-Cov-2?
Research found that HKU5-Cov-2 can bind the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (Ace2) receptor, the same receptor that is used by Sars-Cov-2 to infect human cells.
The discovery of HKU5-Cov-2 is worrying due to the similarity of Sars-Cov-2. Both viruses use Ace2 receptors as their entry point into human cells. However, researchers have emphasized that HKU5-Cov-2 has a much less efficiency in becoming binding for human Ace2 compared to Sars-Cov-2, which greatly reduces the chances of broader human transmission. Laboratory tests have shown that HKU5-Cov-2 can infect human cells and lung tissue, but its ability to spread rapidly between humans is much weaker than Sars-Cov-2.
Can this virus trigger another epidemic?
Although the virus is shown to infect human cells in lab settings, scientists take caution against fear. According to the researchers, the risk of HKU5-Cov-2 emerging as human epidemic is not as much as Covid-19. The study admits that Bat Koronwirus pose a potential spillover risk, but not all coronvirus found in animals successfully jump to humans. The previous outbreaks such as Sars and Mers were caused by the coronvirus, which had a efficient mechanism for human-to-human transmission, while the HKU5-Cov-2 does not show the same capacity at this level.
What are scientists saying about danger?
Research team, which includes experts from Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University and Wuhan Institute of Virology, emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of emerging coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already included Merbecovirus in the list of emerging pathogens. Preparation of epidemicWhile the origin of Covid-19 is debated, the discovery of HKU5-Cov-2 highlights the need for better monitoring of zoonotic diseases.
