New bat viruses in China: 20 found, 2 linked to Nipah, Hendra

Researchers in China have identified 20 new bat viruses, with two showing strong genetic similarities to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, both known for causing severe illness in humans. These findings raise fresh concerns about the potential for future zoonotic outbreaks, as bats are natural reservoirs for many dangerous pathogens. The discovery underscores the importance of continued surveillance of wildlife viruses to better predict and prevent possible cross-species transmissions that could threaten global public health.

Researchers in China have identified 20 previously unknown viruses in bats, two of which share genetic similarities with the highly lethal Nipah and Hendra viruses. Health experts caution that this discovery could have serious global health implications.

The viruses were detected in fruit orchards located in Yunnan province, where bats were found to carry unfamiliar pathogens in their kidneys.

A study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens reported the identification of 20 new viruses, including two henipaviruses closely related to Nipah and Hendra, which are known to cause severe illness and high death rates in humans.

The researchers emphasized that these insights expand current knowledge of viruses found in bat kidneys and highlight significant zoonotic risks. They stressed the importance of in-depth microbial research in lesser-studied organs to better evaluate the potential for disease transmission from bats to humans.

The study was conducted by a team led by Guopeng Kuang from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention, and Tian Yang from Dali University. They expressed concern about the possibility of human infection due to the proximity of bats to cultivated orchards, noting that transmission could occur via contaminated fruit, water, or direct exposure.

The team examined 142 bats representing ten different species and found a wide array of microorganisms, including a newly identified protozoan parasite named Klossiella yunnanensis and a new species of bacteria called Flavobacterium yunnanensis.

Although it is not yet clear whether these viruses can be transmitted to humans, scientists are paying close attention because of their resemblance to known dangerous pathogens.

Commenting on the findings, University of Sydney veterinarian and wildlife disease ecologist Alison Peel, who was not part of the research, noted that some viral relatives of Hendra and Nipah do not pose spillover risks. She added that more laboratory research will be necessary to assess the real threat these new viruses might present.

For questions or comments write to contactus@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: NDTV‍