In a development that’s causing a stir in the global health community, researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology have identified a new coronavirus strain that bears an unsettling resemblance to the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. This discovery, which has emerged from the same city that was the epicentre of the initial COVID-19 outbreak, is raising concerns about the potential for another global health crisis.
The newly identified virus, named HKU5-CoV-2, is not just similar to SARS-CoV-2; it also shares a close relationship with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, a coronavirus known for its high mortality rate, killing up to one-third of those it infects. The discovery was led by virologist Shi Zhengli, who has earned the nickname ‘Batwoman’ for her extensive research on bat coronaviruses.
Initial tests have shown that HKU5-CoV-2 can infiltrate human cells using the same mechanism as SARS-CoV-2, which is a concerning sign of its potential to jump to humans. The research, published in the prestigious scientific journal Cell, acknowledges the virus’s ‘high risk of spillover to humans’, which could occur directly or through an intermediate host.
The merbecovirus family, to which HKU5-CoV-2 belongs, has been previously found in animals like minks and pangolins, the latter being suspected as a possible intermediary in the transmission of COVID-19 from bats to humans. The study’s authors point out that there is evidence of frequent cross-species transmission of these viruses, highlighting the zoonotic risk they pose.
While HKU5-CoV viruses were first detected in bats back in 2006, the new data suggests that HKU5-CoV-2 has a heightened potential for interspecies infection. However, further investigation is needed to fully understand the risk of human spillover.
Bats are known to harbour a high proportion of coronaviruses and are considered natural reservoirs for these pathogens. The Wuhan Institute of Virology, where this research was conducted, has been at the centre of controversy due to the lab-leak theory, which posits that COVID-19 may have accidentally escaped from the lab. While the US intelligence community has expressed low confidence in this theory, the possibility of a lab leak has not been definitively ruled out.
The study emphasises that zoonotic spillover is believed to have been the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the exact intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV-2 are still unknown. Both SARS and MERS have documented cases of animal-to-human transmission, but the pathways for COVID-19 remain a mystery.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of global health, the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risk posed by emerging viruses. While there is no immediate threat, the need for vigilance and preparedness remains crucial.
What are your thoughts on the potential risks of new viruses like HKU5-CoV-2? How do you think we can better prepare for future pandemics? We’d love to hear your insights and strategies—share your thoughts in the comments below!
Also read: Deadly virus detected in piggeries: Are humans at risk?
That is what this facility in China is all about, FINDING NEW VIRUSES. It then leaks the virus out into the world. They should not be allowed to facilitate new viruses.
Why why why is this allowed? Doesn’t anybody in this world have the authority and clout to say STOP!!!!