New coronaviruses found in bats in China

by time news

Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shandong University have discovered more than two dozen new coronavirus genomes in bats. This is stated in the results of a study published in the journal Cell.

The experts examined samples of saliva and waste products from 342 bats collected between May 2019 and November 2020. 24 coronavirus genomes have been discovered, and four coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2, which caused the pandemic, have also been identified. One sample, called RpYN06, differed only in the spike protein that the virus needs to attach to the host cell wall. It is he who forms the so-called “crown”.

The scientists noted that viruses associated with SARS-CoV-2 continue to circulate in bat populations. Bats are an excellent natural reservoir for pathogens that cause serious diseases in humans, among which, in addition to coronavirus, there are also viruses such as Marburg, Ebola and others.

“In addition to bats and humans, coronaviruses can infect many domestic and wild animals, including pigs, cattle, mice, cats, dogs, chickens, deer and hedgehogs,” the publication said.

According to the WHO, the number of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the world has exceeded 174.5 million.

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