Researchers in Brazil have identified a new coronavirus in bats that shares genetic similarities with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. However, its potential impact on humans remains uncertain, according to scientists.
The discovery was made by researchers from São Paulo and Ceará in collaboration with Hong Kong University. Genetic analysis shows the new virus is about 72% similar to MERS-CoV, with its spike protein—the part that helps the virus attach to host cells—having a 71.74% resemblance to the MERS virus.
MERS, first detected in Saudi Arabia in 2012, has caused over 850 deaths worldwide. Scientists are now working to determine whether the newly discovered virus poses any risk to humans.
“We are not yet sure if this virus can infect humans, but our findings suggest a potential interaction with receptors used by MERS-CoV,” said Bruna Stefanie Silvério, the study’s lead author.
The study, published in the Journal of Medical Virology, screened over 400 samples from different bat species in Brazil. Researchers emphasize the importance of ongoing surveillance, as bats are known reservoirs for emerging viruses, making early detection crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
