Scientists have made a startling discovery - a new bat virus that shares alarming similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the culprit behind COVID-19. The researchers, based in Japan and Brazil, analyzed gut tissue samples from over 70 bats in three Brazilian sites between May and August 2019 and found the new virus, dubbed BRZ batCoV, in a Parnell’s mustached bat.
Genetic analysis reveals that BRZ batCoV is distinct enough to represent a previously unknown subgenus of betacoronavirus, but its spike protein shares an identical feature with SARS-CoV-2: a functional furin cleavage site (FCS). This feature allows the virus to infect human cells. What's even more concerning is that other bat betacoronaviruses have been found to possess this same FCS, suggesting it could easily emerge in these viruses.
While the discovery has sparked alarm, the researchers caution that their study hasn't been peer-reviewed yet and direct examination of BRZ batCoV's infectivity remains limited. Nonetheless, the findings serve as an early warning signal about the potential for a new pandemic.
The high diversity of viruses in bats makes them a key group for zoonotic disease surveillance, according to the authors. This highlights the urgent need for better tracking and monitoring of bat coronaviruses, particularly in regions like Brazil where surveillance is currently lacking.
With over five years since the emergence of COVID-19, scientists are increasingly concerned about coronaviruses causing the next big pandemic. The discovery of BRZ batCoV underscores this fear, suggesting that there may be many native bat coronaviruses with the potential to cause new epidemics in humans.
Genetic analysis reveals that BRZ batCoV is distinct enough to represent a previously unknown subgenus of betacoronavirus, but its spike protein shares an identical feature with SARS-CoV-2: a functional furin cleavage site (FCS). This feature allows the virus to infect human cells. What's even more concerning is that other bat betacoronaviruses have been found to possess this same FCS, suggesting it could easily emerge in these viruses.
While the discovery has sparked alarm, the researchers caution that their study hasn't been peer-reviewed yet and direct examination of BRZ batCoV's infectivity remains limited. Nonetheless, the findings serve as an early warning signal about the potential for a new pandemic.
The high diversity of viruses in bats makes them a key group for zoonotic disease surveillance, according to the authors. This highlights the urgent need for better tracking and monitoring of bat coronaviruses, particularly in regions like Brazil where surveillance is currently lacking.
With over five years since the emergence of COVID-19, scientists are increasingly concerned about coronaviruses causing the next big pandemic. The discovery of BRZ batCoV underscores this fear, suggesting that there may be many native bat coronaviruses with the potential to cause new epidemics in humans.
just read about this crazy new bat virus BRZ batCoV and I'm like totally freaked out 
! Like, can you believe it's got a similar furin cleavage site as SARS-CoV-2?! That's just NOT COOL 
. And the fact that other bat viruses have it too? *shudders* 
It's like, we thought COVID-19 was bad, but now there's this new one lurking around? 
I'm all about staying safe, you guys! 
Let's get on this surveillance thing ASAP and make sure our health is on point 
.
did u know that other bats have these same viruses too? it's like, we need to keep an eye on this 
and make sure we're prepared for the next big pandemic 
I remember when COVID-19 first started spreading, my aunt had a friend who got really sick and was in the hospital for ages... it's crazy to think that there could be another pandemic like that just around the corner 
. I'm all for scientists trying to figure out more about this virus and keeping us safe, though 
. We should really get better tracking and monitoring of these bat coronaviruses ASAP, especially in countries like Brazil where it's not as well-covered 
. It's a sobering reminder that we're still vulnerable to new diseases 
OMG, just heard about this crazy new bat virus! So basically they found a new one in bats and it's got like super similarities to SARS-CoV-2... I know we're all still trying to get used to the idea of COVID-19 but now there's another one out there that could be even more deadly? 
The fact that other bat viruses have this same feature is super worrying too. We need to keep an eye on these things and make sure our surveillance systems are on point! 
. we can't keep relying on hindsight after COVID-19 happened... let's be proactive here 
... We need to step up our game and monitor those bats more closely, especially in areas where surveillance is lacking 
. Those researchers are sounding the alarm loud and clear, and I hope people are taking notice 
... We need to get ahead of this and prepare for the worst-case scenario 
and it's got the same thing that makes covid so deadly... the furin cleavage site (FCS)!!! 
i'm literally shaking thinking about all the bats just chillin in brazil, carriers of who knows what 
and meanwhile, our world is still reeling from covid... 5 years have passed and we're still not out of the woods? 
how many more pandemics can our global health system handle? 
. Like, what's next? Are we gonna blame Fortnite for the next pandemic too? 
Can't we focus on more pressing issues... like who ate the last slice of pizza in the office? 
. We really need better surveillance in places like Brazil 
but we gotta be aware that direct testing of BRZ batCoV's infectivity hasn't been done yet 
Like, what if it's another COVID-19? 