New bat coronavirus raises concerns in Brazil

Scientists in Brazil have discovered a new coronavirus in bats that may pose a serious risk to humans. This virus has alarming similarities to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which is known to be deadly, killing about one in three of those infected. The new virus was found in the states of São Paulo and Ceará. It shares about 72% of its genetic material with MERS, including 71.74% similarity in a key part of the virus called the spike protein. This protein is crucial because it helps the virus attach to and infect human cells. Currently, researchers are unsure if this new virus can infect humans. However, they found evidence suggesting it might interact with the receptor that allows MERS to infect cells. More studies will be conducted in high-security laboratories in Hong Kong to learn more about its potential threat. In February, another new bat virus was found in Wuhan, China, which could jump directly from bats to humans. This makes it harder to predict pandemics since it bypasses the need for an intermediate animal. For the study in Brazil, scientists tested 16 bat species and found seven coronaviruses in samples from five of them. Only one was closely related to MERS. This indicates that similar viruses could be spreading in South American bats. Experts stress the importance of monitoring bats, as they are significant carriers of viruses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously listed MERS and Covid-19 as potential threats for future pandemics, alongside an unidentified "disease X." MERS is not easily transmitted between humans, but it can occur through close contact with infected camels or patients. Severe cases can lead to respiratory failure, and there is currently no vaccine, though some are being developed.