Latest news with #PLoSPathogens
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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. Researchers have also expressed 'urgent concerns about the potential for these viruses to spill over into humans or livestock'.
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
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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. Researchers have also expressed 'urgent concerns about the potential for these viruses to spill over into humans or livestock'.
The Independent
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
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.
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First Post
21-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Covid-19 cases spike in India too: Is ‘Pirola' descendant a threat as vaccine immunity declines?
Experts have raised concerns that this strain can dodge existing immunity and can spread from human to human rapidly read more India is witnessing a surge in COVID -19 cases, with most of them being reported from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The fresh spike is caused by JN.1 sub-variant of the BA.2.86, also known as 'Pirola' strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. Experts have raised concerns that this strain can dodge existing immunity and can spread from human to human rapidly. 'This strain can evade existing immunity and is more transmissible. But it has so far not differed much from the symptoms associated with Omicron,' Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, was quoted as saying by the Indian Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More about the JN.1 variant? JN.1 is a version of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 with about 30 changes in its structure. These changes don't necessarily make it more dangerous, but they help the virus slip past our immune system. The changes are in the spike protein, which the virus uses to enter our cells, making it easier for JN.1 to spread. Is 'Pirola' descendant a threat as vaccine immunity declines? Even though it's been a while since the Omicron wave, our immune system's memory T cells and B cells can still fight it. These cells 'remember' the virus from past infections or vaccines, helping to reduce how severe the illness gets. A study in PLoS Pathogens shows T cells can recognise parts of the Omicron variant, and B cells make antibodies that can stop it. Who needs to be extra careful? People with health issues like uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, HIV, or those who've had transplants need to be extra careful. The elderly, pregnant women, and children are also at higher risk. Do we need new vaccines? Older vaccines, made for earlier strains using weakened or inactivated virus, don't work as well against JN.1. Newer mRNA vaccines, like Gemcovac-19, are better because they can be updated for new variants. They use lab-made mRNA to trigger an immune response. However, Gemcovac-19 isn't widely available. Unlike other mRNA vaccines that require freezing temperatures, this one can be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, making it easier to handle. mRNA vaccines are great for preventing infection as they can be quickly adjusted for new variants.
