New Bat Coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2 Identified in China, Potential Human Transmission Risk

Beijing/Hyderabad, Feb 22 (Maxim News): A team of Chinese virologists has discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, which could potentially infect humans. The research, led by renowned scientist Shi Zhengli—often referred to as “Batwoman” for her extensive work on coronaviruses—has raised concerns over the possibility of another zoonotic spillover.

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According to the South China Morning Post, the newly identified virus has shown the ability to bind to human ACE2 receptors—the same entry point used by SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. This similarity suggests there could be a risk of human transmission, though scientists stress that further research is needed to assess its real-world impact.

HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the MERS-CoV virus responsible for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. Early findings, as reported by Newsweek, indicate that HKU5-CoV-2 demonstrates a stronger ability to adapt to human ACE2 receptors compared to other viruses within the same lineage.

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Laboratory tests revealed that the virus successfully infected human cell cultures and miniature human organ models, raising concerns about its potential to jump from animals to humans.

The study highlights the significant threat posed by bat-borne merbecoviruses, which could potentially transmit to humans either directly or through intermediate hosts. However, researchers caution that more extensive investigation is needed to determine the likelihood of actual human infection and disease development.

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While China has consistently rejected theories linking COVID-19 to a lab leak, the Wuhan Institute of Virology remains under global scrutiny. The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring of bat coronaviruses to assess potential public health risks.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether HKU5-CoV-2 poses an immediate health threat. However, scientists emphasize the importance of maintaining strict surveillance and enhancing global preparedness to prevent future pandemics. (Maxim News)

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