Scientists discover 20 new viruses in Chinese bats, could spread to humans
In a new study, scientists have discovered 20 new viruses in bats from China's Yunnan province.Two of these viruses are genetically similar to deadly viruses called Hendra and Nipah, which have caused serious disease outbreaks in humans and animals in the past.The research was published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS Pathogens. It involved collecting kidney tissue samples from 142 bats between 2017 and 2021.advertisement
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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Time of India
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News18
4 hours ago
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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:
