Latest news with #Klossiella
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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- 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
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First Post
11 hours ago
- Health
- First Post
Another virus scare from China: Scientists find new health threats in Chinese bats
Chinese researchers have identified 22 new viruses in kidney tissues from 142 bats. Two of them resemble Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness read more Researchers in China have uncovered at least 20 new viruses in bats, sparking 'urgent concerns' that they could spread to livestock or humans. Using genetic sequencing, the team identified 22 viruses in kidney tissues from 142 bats in Yunnan province, collected between 2017 and 2021. Of the newly identified 22 viruses, two are said to be extremely dangerous. The two resemble Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans, according to The Sun. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per reports, the fatality rate of diseases caused by these viruses can be as high as 75 per cent. The study also revealed unknown bacteria and a new single-celled parasite, Klossiella yunnanensis. Significance of the discovery This discovery comes years after the Covid-19 pandemic, which first emerged in Wuhan, China, in 2019, killing millions around the globe. The Wuhan Virus Research Centre, known for studying bat coronaviruses, was previously linked to theories suggesting a lab leak caused the outbreak. What are researchers warning about? The bats in this study were found roosting near fruit orchards close to populated villages. Researchers warn that bat urine could transmit henipaviruses, potentially contaminating fruit eaten by humans or animals, risking another outbreak. The study identified two new henipaviruses, Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2, the first full-length genomes of this virus type found in Chinese bats. Molecular virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam called the findings 'concerning,' noting the viruses were in bat kidneys, linked to urine production, which could expose humans through contaminated fruit or water. These viruses share 52-57 per cent genetic material with other henipaviruses, which have caused deadly outbreaks before. Though there's no certainty of these viruses spilling over to humans, past incidents like the Nipah outbreak in Bangladesh, linked to bat-contaminated fruit sap, show it's possible. Yunnan's proximity to Malaysia, where Nipah first emerged, heightens concerns among virologists about the virus's risk. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ecologist Dr. Alison Peel noted that not all henipaviruses are harmful, but lab tests are crucial to determine their potential to infect humans.
