Latest news with #YunnanInstituteofEndemicDiseaseControlandPrevention
NDTV
26-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
20 new bat viruses discovered in China, two closely linked to deadly Nipah and Hendra
Scientists have discovered 20 new bat viruses in China, including two linked to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses. Experts have warned that the discovery could have "critical implications" for public health across the world. The discovery was made in fruit orchards in Yunnan province, southwest China, where bats were found carrying unknown pathogens in their kidneys. The study, published in the PLOS Pathogens journal, revealed 20 previously unknown viruses, including two henipaviruses genetically similar to Nipah and Hendra viruses, which can cause high-fatality illnesses in humans. "These findings broaden our understanding of the bat kidney infectome, underscore critical zoonotic threats, and highlight the need for comprehensive, full-spectrum microbial analyses of previously understudied organs to better assess spillover risks from bat populations," the study's authors wrote. The team, led by Guopeng Kuang from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention and Tian Yang from Dali University in China, raised concerns about transmission to humans due to the proximity of bats to orchards. The virus can spread through contaminated fruits, water or direct contact. Researchers analysed 142 bats from ten species, finding a diverse range of microbes, including a new protozoan parasite (Klossiella yunnanensis) and a novel bacterium (Flavobacterium yunnanensis). While it's uncertain if these viruses can jump from bats to humans, scientists will monitor them closely because of their genetic similarity to dangerous viruses. As quoted by Science Alert, University of Sydney veterinarian and wildlife disease ecologist Alison Peel, pointed out: "We have other examples of close evolutionary cousins to Hendra and Nipah that appear not to be of any concern for spillover, so there will need to be some more laboratory studies on these new viruses to determine the actual risk." She was not involved in the study.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
20 new bat viruses discovered in China's fruit orchard amidst ongoing COVID surge; Are humans at risk?
Amidst the surge of the new COVID-19 variant, designated NB.1.8.1, informally known as 'Nimbus' and gaining popularity – thanks to its signature 'razor blade' symptom – a bunch of new viruses have been discovered in China. Bats in the orchards of Yunnan province in southwest China have been found to carry some unknown germs in their kidneys, including two that are closely related to the dangerous Nipah and Hendra viruses. A team of scientists, led by Guopeng Kuang from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention and Tian Yang from Dali University, examined 142 bats from 10 different species. Their research uncovered 20 new viruses, along with a new type of bacterium and a protozoan parasite, according to a study published by PLOS . What does the research say? The study published in PLOS Pathogens has revealed 20 previously unknown viruses – alongside two additional ones – within the kidneys of wild fruit bats captured in Yunnan province, near village orchards and caves. Researchers examined 142 bats across ten species and uncovered two henipaviruses genetically close to the notorious Hendra and Nipah viruses. The two worrying viruses are part of the henipavirus family, which is known for having long genomes and infecting a variety of hosts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo More than half of the genes from these new viruses closely resemble those of the Nipah and Hendra viruses, which can be deadly to humans, even though they don't occur often in people. This finding is particularly alarming because both Hendra and Nipah are highly lethal, with mortality rates up to 70% in humans, and no approved vaccines or therapies exist for Nipah. It's still uncertain if these new henipaviruses can jump from bats to other animals or humans, but their genetic similarity to dangerous viruses means scientists will be monitoring them closely. The fact that these genetically similar viruses are present in bats near orchards – which may interact with livestock or people – raises serious concerns about zoonotic spillover. The authors emphasized this point in a statement included with their research: 'By analyzing the infectome of bat kidneys collected near village orchards and caves in Yunnan, we uncovered not only the diverse microbes bats carry, but also the first full-length genomes of novel bat-borne henipaviruses closely related to Hendra and Nipah viruses identified in China – raising urgent concerns about the potential for these viruses to spill over into humans or livestock. ' Decoding the consequences: In response to the research, Molecular virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam from Monash University, who wasn't involved in the study, said in a statement shared with Newsweek, "These viruses are particularly concerning because they were predominantly found in bat kidneys, a site linked to urine production, raising alarm about potential human exposure via contaminated fruits or water." Why target bat kidneys? The researchers pointed out that most research on bat viruses focuses on their droppings, whereas they studied the kidneys, which 'can harbor important zoonotic pathogens.' Previous surveillance typically focused on bat guano (droppings). This study took a different approach, focusing on kidney tissue, which is integral to urine production – a key route for virus shedding. Bats shedding virus-laden urine onto fruit or into water dramatically increases the potential for environmental contamination and subsequent human or livestock exposure. The study authors urge further research 'to better assess spillover risks from bat populations.' Pathways of transmission: how humans might get exposed Transmission occurs through a few main routes. Direct contact with bat urine or droppings, contaminating fruit, water, or soil, while intermediate animal hosts, such as pigs or horses, can get infected via contaminated fruit and amplify the virus before passing it to humans. Environmental exposure, from contaminated fruit or sap – e.g., unpeeled or unwashed fruits like date palm juice – has been implicated in Nipah outbreaks in South Asia. Are humans at risk? Not necessarily imminent, but the potential is real and concerning. Because the bats were found in fruit orchards, humans and farm animals could be at risk if the viruses could cross over between species. However, bats also play a crucial role in orchards by pollinating fruits, enriching the soil, and controlling insect populations. In fact, insect-eating bats in China help apple farmers save around $2 billion a year in crop losses! Genetic similarity: The new henipaviruses share close lineage with Hendra/Nipah, but may differ in regions critical for cell entry in humans. Experts stress that genetic similarity doesn't guarantee human infectivity. Absence of current human cases: No viral spillover has been documented—yet. Similarly, other newly discovered bat coronaviruses (e.g., HKU5-CoV-2) showed the ability to infect human cells in vitro, but have so far posed no known health threat. Low direct exposure: Ecological tracking studies of Yunnan bats (e.g., Eonycteris spelaea) show they rarely overlap with human living or working areas, suggesting limited opportunity for direct transmission. However, University of Sydney veterinarian Alison Peel, who wasn't part of the research, pointed out that while there are other related viruses that don't pose a risk to humans, more laboratory studies are needed to understand these new ones better. Risk factors that elevate spillover probability: Several environmental and anthropogenic drivers are behind zoonotic emergence. Habitat loss and altered bat diets force bats into orchards, increasing viral shedding and human–bat interaction. Agriculture and livestock proximity, like free-range pig farms in Yunnan and Guangxi, can act as intermediaries for virus amplification. Fruit contamination, i.e., unwashed or fallen fruit eaten by humans or livestock, is a known pathway – seen in India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Hence, although direct human spillover is still relatively rare, the importance of surveillance remains critical. US: Study underway to find whether survivor's plasma could prevent Covid-19 One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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Business Standard
25-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Scientists find new 'brain-inflaming' bat viruses in China: Should we worry
Scientists in China have discovered 20 new viruses in bats, including two that are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra, which are known to cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans. The findings, published in the journal PLOS Pathogens on Tuesday, raise concerns about potential spillover to humans and livestock through contamination from bat urine. What did scientists find in the Yunnan bat study? Researchers at the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention analysed kidney samples from 142 bats across 10 species collected between 2017 and 2021. The study found 22 viruses—20 of which were previously unknown. Two of the most concerning were Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2, closely related to Hendra and Nipah viruses, both of which are highly fatal to humans and animals. Are these viruses transmissible through bat urine? Yes, and this is what alarms scientists. The viruses were found in the kidneys—organs responsible for urine production—suggesting that urine may be a possible transmission route. Contaminated fruit or water sources near bat roosting sites could allow the viruses to infect humans or livestock. Did the study find anything else unusual? Yes. The scientists also identified a new protozoan parasite (Klossiella yunnanensis) and a previously unknown bacterial species (Flavobacterium yunnanensis) in significant quantities. This points to a more complex infectome in bats than previously assumed and highlights the importance of multi-organ pathogen surveillance. Could this discovery lead to another pandemic? There is no immediate threat, but virologists are concerned. Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, told Business Standard: 'This is a serious reminder that dangerous viruses are still hidden in nature. What's worrying is that this possible urine-based transmission route has not received enough attention.' While there is no proof of an outbreak, the possibility of zoonotic spillover cannot be ruled out. Why are spillovers becoming more frequent? Human encroachment into natural habitats and climate change are increasing contact between wildlife and people. Dr Tayal warns that 'the next pandemic could come from sources we haven't even fully understood yet.' He urges stronger virus tracing, investment in advanced research, and inclusion of wildlife monitoring in public health policy. Where were these bats found? The bats were roosting near fruit orchards close to rural villages—areas where human contact is highly likely. Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam, Molecular Virologist at Monash University Malaysia, noted the significance of this proximity: 'The kidney discovery raises alarm about exposure through contaminated fruit or water.' What steps can prevent future outbreaks? Experts recommend: Expanding surveillance of bat organs—especially kidneys and urine pathways Improving local public health infrastructure Educating communities to wash or cover fruit and boil water Monitoring wildlife as part of national epidemic preparedness
Gulf Today
25-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Scientists raise 'urgent concerns' over new bat viruses discovered in China
Researchers have raised "urgent concerns" after discovering two new bat viruses in China with the potential to infect humans and cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory disease. The viruses, along with multiple new bacteria and parasite species, were discovered in bats inhabiting orchards in southwestern China's Yunnan province, according to a study published on Tuesday in the journal PLoS Pathogens. These viruses are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra pathogens, which cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory disease in humans, according to researchers, including from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention. Nipah is a lethal pathogen known to cause severe disease in humans, including acute respiratory distress with a high mortality rate of 35-75 per cent. The Hendra virus has been responsible for multiple fatal outbreaks in humans and horses. "These viruses are naturally hosted by fruit bats and are typically transmitted to humans through bat urine or saliva, often via contamination of food sources," researchers said. The study raises concerns about the potential for similar new viruses to spread from bats to livestock or humans in the region. "This finding is particularly significant as Yunnan province is a recognised hotspot for bat diversity," it notes. Due to their unique immune systems, bats are a natural reservoir for a wide range of microorganisms, including notable pathogens transmitted to humans. While the exact origins of the Covid-19 pandemic remain unclear, numerous studies suggest horseshoe bats as one of the most likely host candidates from which the novel coronavirus jumped to humans. However, the complete array of viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites that infect bats remains unknown as most previous studies have focused on faeces from the flying mammal alone without inspecting the organs. The latest study peered inside the kidneys of 142 bats from 10 species, which were collected over four years across five areas of Yunnan. Genome sequencing of the samples revealed 22 viruses, of which 20 are new to science. Two of these were henipaviruses, the same genus as Nipah and Hendra, which have had high fatality rates in humans in previous epidemic outbreaks. Since these viruses can potentially spread through urine, scientists raise concerns about the risk of these pathogens jumping to humans or livestock via contaminated fruit from the orchards. The findings underscore the need for a multi-organ screening approach to understand the microbial diversity harboured by bats. Scientists call for "comprehensive, full-spectrum microbial analyses of previously understudied organs to better assess spillover risks from bat populations". "By analysing the infectome of bat kidneys collected near village orchards and caves in Yunnan, we uncovered not only the diverse microbes bats carry, but also the first full-length genomes of novel bat-borne henipaviruses closely related to Hendra and Nipah viruses identified in China," they say. The Independent
