Scientists discover 20 new viruses in Chinese bats, could spread to humans
The scientists used genetic testing to identify viruses, bacteria, and even a new parasite -- all previously unknown to science.WHY THESE FINDINGS MATTERSome of the newly found viruses were present in the bats' kidneys. This is especially worrying because the kidneys produce urine, which can contaminate fruit or water if bats urinate near orchards or water sources.People or animals who eat or drink the contaminated items could then be at risk of infection.
The scientists used genetic testing to identify viruses, bacteria, and even a new parasite -- all previously unknown to science. ()
"These viruses are particularly concerning because they were predominantly found in bat kidneys, raising alarm about potential human exposure via contaminated fruits or water," said molecular virologist Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam from Monash University in Australia.advertisementThe two newly discovered henipaviruses have been named Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2. They share about 52% to 57% of their genetic material with the known and deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses.In past outbreaks, these viruses have caused severe brain infections and high death rates in both people and animals.WHERE WERE THESE BATS FOUND?The bats in this study were discovered roosting near fruit orchards close to villages in rural Yunnan. This raises the risk that their urine could contaminate fruits that people or farm animals could eat, increasing the chance of a virus jumping from bats to humans, a process called spillover.WHY STUDY BAT KIDNEYS?Earlier research on bat viruses focused on bat feces. But this study looked inside the bats, especially their kidneys, to find out what kinds of viruses and microbes live there.
Two new viruses found share about 52% to 57% of their genetic material with the known and deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. ()
Scientists say that this area of bat biology is not well studied, even though kidneys could play a big role in how diseases are spread.advertisementBats are known to carry many viruses that can infect people. In fact, bats have been linked to the spread of diseases like Ebola, SARS, MERS, and even Covid-19.These viruses can reach humans either directly or through other animals, often through food or water contaminated by bat waste.OTHER NEW ORGANISMS FOUNDIn addition to the 22 viruses (20 of them completely new), the scientists also found:A new single-celled parasite, now named Klossiella yunnanensisTwo common bacterial species, including one that has never been described before, now called Flavobacterium yunnanensis
Bats are known to carry many viruses that can infect people.
These discoveries show that bats can carry a wide mix of micro-organisms many of which we still don't understand.WHAT THIS MEANS GOING FORWARDThe scientists say their findings show why it's important to study the full range of microbes inside bats, not just the ones in their droppings.Understanding what lives in bat organs like kidneys can help scientists better predict and prevent future disease outbreaks.advertisementBalasubramaniam said the Yunnan region has a climate similar to areas where Nipah outbreaks have happened before, like Malaysia. This makes it even more important to keep a close watch on wildlife in the area.Experts believe more studies like this are needed to monitor the spread of new viruses in animals before they have a chance to reach humans.- Ends
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