A newly discovered strain of coronavirus, closely related to the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), has been identified by an international team of scientists.
The research was conducted by experts from Brazil in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Hong Kong, raising concerns over its potential ability to spread to humans.
The novel virus was detected after researchers collected samples from bats, swabbing their mouths and rectums during an extensive field study. Preliminary findings suggest that the virus shares key characteristics with MERS, a respiratory disease known to have a fatality rate of approximately 35 percent among infected individuals.
One of the primary concerns highlighted by the research team is the virus’s spike protein structure, which plays a crucial role in infecting host cells. Scientists believe that the genetic makeup of this protein could allow the virus to bind to human cells, increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission.
As part of ongoing investigations, the newly discovered virus—along with six other strains identified during the study—is being transported to China for further testing. Researchers aim to determine whether these viruses can effectively infect human cells, although such experiments have sparked concerns due to past debates on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Bruna Silverio, the lead researcher from the University of São Paulo, emphasized the need for further analysis. “At this stage, we cannot confirm whether this virus can infect humans,” she stated. “However, our findings indicate that its spike protein contains components that suggest potential interaction with the same receptor used by MERS-CoV.”
The discovery underscores the ongoing threat posed by emerging coronaviruses, particularly those with the ability to jump from animals to humans. Experts stress the importance of continuous surveillance and research to prevent future outbreaks and enhance global preparedness against novel viral threats.
