Discovered at Wuhan Lab by Chinese Research Team
Includes Virus That Causes MERS
A new coronavirus with the potential to be transmitted to humans has been discovered in Wuhan, China.
On the 21st, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a Chinese research team discovered a new coronavirus (HKU5-CoV-2) at a Wuhan laboratory that uses the same human receptor as the virus causing COVID-19, posing a risk of transmission from bats to humans.
This study was led by Shi Zhengli, a famous Chinese virologist known by the nickname "Batwoman," at a laboratory in Guangzhou. Researchers from the Guangzhou Institute of Science, Wuhan University, and Wuhan Institute of Virology also participated.
The new coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2 is classified within the Merbecovirus group, which includes viruses that cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). This virus, which binds to the human ACE2 receptor, is similar to the common cold virus NL63. However, it has been found to have a stronger infectivity in humans compared to other coronaviruses. HKU5-CoV-2 not only binds to the human ACE2 receptor but also to several other species, all of which can act as intermediate hosts and infect humans.
There are four species within the Merbecovirus group: the MERS coronavirus, two viruses found in bats, and one found in hedgehogs. Merbecoviruses were added last year to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s list of novel pathogens for epidemic preparedness.
The researchers found that when isolating the virus from bat samples, it could infect not only human cells but also organ tissues. The research team explained, "Bat Merbecoviruses have a high risk of transmission to humans, either through direct transmission or facilitated by intermediate hosts." They added, "Further monitoring of this virus is necessary," but also cautioned that "the risk of HKU5-CoV-2 emerging in human society should not be exaggerated."
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