What to know about new Covid-like virus detected in Russian bats

Scientists have discovered a new virus in bats that they fear could infect humans. The bat virus is in the family of coronaviruses of which Covid-19 is part. Researchers are warning that if not properly contained, this new virus could resist Covid-19 vaccines and antibodies, according to Euronews.

'Troubling traits'

A team of researchers at the Washington State University found that the Khosta-2 virus can use its spike proteins to infect human cells just as Covid-19 does. The study published in the journal,PLoS Pathogens, warns that if not properly managed, the virus could be a public health issue. Michael Letko, a virologist at WSU and corresponding author of the study, said in a statement:

Our research further demonstrates that sarbecoviruses circulating in wildlife outside of Asia – even in places like western Russia where the Khosta-2 virus was found – also pose a threat to global health and ongoing vaccine campaigns against SARS-CoV-2

Cause for concern?

The sarbecovirus –as it is known – was discovered in Russian horseshoe bats in 2020, but at the time, it wasn’t thought to be a threat to humans. Asian bats were found to carry most of the sarbecoviruses discovered in recent years, although not capable of infecting human cells. More than two years into the Covid-19 pandemic and researchers have reason to believe this virus could indeed infect humans. Letko added:

But when we looked at them more, we were really surprised to find they could infect human cells. That changes a little bit of our understanding of these viruses, where they come from and what regions are concerning

The researchers believe the bat virus does not possess some of the genetic features that could contribute to disease in humans. However, they warn of the risk of it recombining with an existing virus like Covid-19 to cause havoc.

Sources Used:

Euro News:Khosta-2: Scientists warn Russian bat virus could infect humans and resist COVID vaccines

Washington University: Newly discovered COVID‑like virus could infect humans, resist vaccines

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