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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
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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Deadly brain virus found in China bats: Scientists alarmed over 75% fatality risk
Researchers have found 20 previously unknown viruses in bat kidneys from China's Yunnan province. Two of these viruses bear a striking resemblance to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, both of which are known to cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory failure in humans. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The study, published in , has drawn attention not just for the viruses themselves, but also for where they were found, an organ that produces urine, sparking concern about how these viruses might be transmitted. Here's everything we need to know about the research, how it connects to known diseases, and whether there's any reason for immediate public concern. Between 2017 and 2021, scientists collected kidney tissue samples from 142 bats across five different sites in Yunnan. Genetic sequencing revealed a complex microbe network, or 'infectome,' which included 22 viruses. Out of these, 20 were completely new to science. Most notable were two henipaviruses, named Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2, which showed up to 71% similarity to Hendra and Nipah viruses in crucial proteins. These aren't just any viruses. Henipaviruses are part of a small but dangerous family known for causing brain inflammation and respiratory illnesses in humans and animals. With a fatality rate that can reach 75%, Nipah outbreaks in Malaysia and Bangladesh, and Hendra infections in Australia, have already demonstrated how lethal these viruses can be. The discovery of their close relatives in China's bats has raised red flags among scientists. What has truly intensified concern is where the viruses were found, the kidneys of bats. These organs are directly involved in producing urine, making urine a likely transmission route. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is no minor detail. Many of these bats were found roosting in orchards situated close to human settlements. That means fruits or water sources in these areas could be exposed to bat urine, creating a possible route for these viruses to jump from animals to humans or livestock. Bat Viruses In China It's a subtle factor, highlighting how human and wildlife interactions, even indirect ones, can become a health risk. It's important to stress that there is no current outbreak caused by these newly discovered viruses. The findings do not suggest an immediate public health emergency. In fact, many henipavirus relatives identified so far have not shown the ability to infect humans or animals directly. Still, experts stress the need for follow-up testing in labs to understand whether these new henipaviruses can bind to human or animal cells. The fact that such viruses share significant genetic material with known deadly viruses simply cannot be ignored. So, while there is no evidence of human cases yet, the potential for a spillover does exist, especially in areas where human and bat ecosystems overlap. [The information presented in this article has been compiled from multiple media and research sources. This content is intended for general awareness and should not be taken as medical advice or a definitive scientific conclusion.] Diabetes Management Made Simple: 5 Yoga Asanas That Work
Business Standard
5 hours ago
- 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
News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Another Pandemic? Deadly New Bat Viruses Found In China, Scientists Warn Of 75% Fatality Rate
According to the study, two new henipaviruses found in fruit bats near farms may spread to humans or animals through urine-contaminated fruit, posing a serious zoonotic threat In a concerning development, scientists have detected 22 new viruses in bats that could pose a serious threat to global health. The discovery comes as the world continues to grapple with emerging COVID-19 variants, years after the pandemic began in Wuhan, China, in 2019. Experts warn that some of these newly identified viruses may lead to severe illness and potentially prove fatal. Researchers in China have identified at least 22 viruses in bats that could pose a future threat to both humans and animals. The viruses were detected in kidney tissues of 142 bats collected between 2017 and 2021 in Yunnan province. Notably, two of the viruses are closely related to the deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. Experts have repeatedly cautioned that factors like climate change, deforestation, and expanding urban areas are forcing wildlife and humans into closer contact. This growing overlap raises the chances of new viruses jumping to humans, as witnessed in past outbreaks of SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19. According to the Bloomberg report, Tim Mahony, director of the Centre for Animal Science at the University of Queensland, noted that the study underscores just how little is known about the range of viruses circulating in bats and in the broader environment. Mahony, who was not involved in the research, stressed the importance of such findings in understanding future health threats. The study was carried out by a team of scientists from China and the University of Sydney, who examined kidney samples from 142 bats collected in Yunnan province over a four-year period. They detected a total of 22 viruses, 20 of which were previously unknown. Among the discoveries were two henipaviruses that are genetically similar to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses—both known to cause severe respiratory illness and fatal brain inflammation in humans, with mortality rates reaching up to 75%. As reported by Bloomberg, the research team also uncovered two previously unknown bacterial species and a new parasite. Unlike most bat virus studies that typically analyse fecal samples, this investigation focused on kidney tissue—an organ linked to viral shedding through urine, a less-explored but potentially significant transmission pathway. The two newly identified henipaviruses were found in fruit bats residing near farmland, where bat urine could contaminate fruits consumed by humans or livestock. The researchers warned that this mode of exposure presents serious zoonotic risks. In their published findings, they emphasized the urgent need to monitor the potential of these viruses to cross over to humans or domestic animals. The newly identified viruses, named Yunnan Bat Henipavirus 1 and 2, were previously unknown and share 52 to 57 percent of their genetic makeup with other henipaviruses. Experts warn that these viruses could easily spread to humans through contaminated fruit or water. In addition to causing severe respiratory infections similar to COVID-19, they also have the potential to trigger brain inflammation, which could lead to long-term neurological damage. These newly discovered viruses were found in the kidneys of bats and have the potential to infect both humans and animals, posing a risk of serious illness. While researchers have not confirmed any outbreak, they are treating the findings with caution. Speaking to Bloomberg, Linfa Wang, a professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School's Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, said the findings add to the growing evidence of the wide variety of viruses harboured by bats—especially henipaviruses. While he acknowledged the need for close monitoring, Wang noted that there is no immediate cause for alarm based on current evidence. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
