Another pandemic? Deadly new bat viruses found in China, Scientists warn of up to 75 percent fatality rate
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Researchers from multiple Chinese universities, together with international collaborators, recently released a study in PLOS Pathogens.They collected kidney samples from 142 bats representing ten species between 2017 to 2020 across five Yunnan locations. Genetic sequencing revealed 22 viral species, including 20 entirely new viruses, and two henipaviruses closely related to deadly Hendra and Nipah strainsHenipaviruses are notorious for causing severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness, with fatality rates as high as 75 percent in humans. Nipah outbreaks in Malaysia and Bangladesh, and Hendra cases in Australia, have underscored their deadly potential. Alarmingly, Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 shares up to 71 percent similarity in key proteins (N and L) with Nipah and Hendra , marking it as the closest known wild relative.This development comes a few years after the deadly COVID-19 outbreak resulted in millions of deaths around the world. Its first known case was identified in China 's Wuhan city in late 2019.What makes this especially concerning is the discovery site, bat kidneys, and the source of urine. Bats roost in orchards adjacent to rural villages, creating an environment where urine droplets may contaminate fruit or water, exposing villagers and their animals. Molecular virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam emphasized that this precise localization 'raises alarm about potential human exposure via contaminated fruits or water'.The team also identified a new protozoan parasite, Klossiella yunnanensis, and two novel bacterial species, including Flavobacterium yunnanensis. This focuses on the 'infectome,' the full range of microbes within the bat kidney.Experts stress that spillover is not inevitable. It requires the right viral traits and sufficient exposure, often via intermediaries. For instance, fruit bat–related Nipah cases in Bangladesh arose from contaminated date-palm sap. Still, given Yunnan's proximity to regions like Malaysia, where Nipah first emerged, the stakes are high.Dr. Alison Peel, an ecologist unaffiliated with the study, noted that many henipavirus relatives 'appear not to be of any concern,' but stressed that laboratory testing is vital to assess their ability to infect human or livestock cells.This investigation serves as a wake‑up call as humans encroach on wildlife habitats, shared food and water sources become potential bridges for viruses.Strengthen local health systems, educate communities on simple safety measures like covering fruit and boiling water, and expand microbial monitoring across bat organs, especially kidneys and urine.
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