A newly discovered coronavirus strain, HKU5-CoV-2, raises significant concerns among researchers as it exhibits striking similarities to the virus that triggered the COVID-19 pandemic. Detected at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, this strain, found in bats, could pose a considerable global threat.
Virologist Shi Zhengli, known as “Batwoman” for her extensive work on coronaviruses, led the research team that made this discovery. The findings, published in the journal Cell, reveal that HKU5-CoV-2 infiltrates human cells in a manner similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Laboratory experiments demonstrate that HKU5-CoV-2 effectively infects human cell cultures, particularly targeting respiratory and intestinal systems, which raises alarms about its potential impact on public health.
Researchers emphasize the “high risk of spillover” to humans from HKU5-CoV-2, either through direct transmission or via intermediate hosts. This strain belongs to the merbecovirus group and is closely related to MERS, a serious virus that can lead to severe illness and has a high fatality rate. MERS symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and vomiting, with a fatality rate of up to 33% in severe cases. Although the United States has reported only two travel-linked cases of MERS—both in 2014—this coronavirus strain’s emergence emphasizes the urgent need for vigilance, especially since there is no vaccine against MERS or HKU5-CoV-2.
Scientists note that while hundreds of coronaviruses exist in animals, only a few can transmit to humans. They stress the importance of monitoring these viruses as HKU5-CoV-2 poses significant risks for zoonotic transmission. The research indicates that animals like minks and pangolins may serve as intermediate hosts, facilitating the virus’s spread from bats to humans.
The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 comes amid ongoing debates about the origins of COVID-19. While some theories suggest a lab leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, U.S. intelligence agencies remain uncertain about this claim. Researchers continue to investigate the lineage of coronaviruses, emphasizing the role of bats as natural reservoirs.
As the world moves forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of HKU5-CoV-2 serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by new viruses.
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