Just when the world thought it had learned the lessons of the pandemic, scientists have found a new coronavirus strain in South America — one that carries some of the same genetic features that made SARS-CoV-2 so infectious in humans.
A discovery that caught scientists’ attention
Researchers studying bat populations in Brazil have identified a previously unknown virus, now named BRZ batCoV.
The finding, made from samples collected in 2019, has drawn attention because of its genetic resemblance to the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virus was detected in Parnell’s mustached bat, a species native to South and Central America.
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Genetic sequencing showed that BRZ batCoV is distinct from all other known coronaviruses — but it shares one critical feature with SARS-CoV-2: a furin cleavage site in its spike protein.
This structure is what allows certain viruses to bind more effectively to human cells — the same mechanism that made COVID-19 capable of spreading so rapidly between people.
What makes it different
The research, published as a preprint on bioRxiv, was conducted by an international team of virologists and evolutionary biologists.
Their analysis revealed that BRZ batCoV is genetically unique enough to be classified as a new subgroup of betacoronaviruses — a category that also includes SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.
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Until now, scientists have identified only five such subgroups. The discovery of a sixth suggests there are still major gaps in our understanding of coronavirus diversity, especially in regions like South America, where surveillance has been limited compared to Asia or Africa.
A reminder of the pandemic’s origins
While there is currently no evidence that the new virus can infect humans, researchers warn that its structure shows potential risk.
The presence of a furin cleavage site may indicate that it could, under certain conditions, evolve to cross species barriers.
Experts emphasize that much remains unknown. The virus has not yet been tested for human infectivity, and the findings have not undergone peer review.
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Still, the discovery underscores the importance of continuous monitoring of wildlife viruses, especially among bats — natural reservoirs for many coronaviruses.
SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 all originated from animals before spreading to humans. According to the team behind the study, the new finding reinforces the urgent need for expanded virus surveillance in regions that have been largely overlooked until now.
Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra Nyheder24
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