The united States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has responded to concerns regarding a newly discovered coronavirus originating in bats. Identified as HKU5-cov-2,this virus,discovered by researchers at the Wuhan Virology Institute,the Guangzhou laboratory,and the Guangzhou Academy of Sciences,has demonstrated the ability to infect human cells in laboratory settings. However, the CDC has issued a statement assuring the public that there is no reason to believe that this currently represents a concern for public health. This proclamation comes amid ongoing global vigilance regarding emerging infectious diseases.

The discovery of any new coronavirus capable of infecting human cells naturally raises concerns, particularly given the recent global experience with the COVID-19 pandemic. The HKU5-CoV-2 virus, identified by a Chinese research team, has sparked interest and scrutiny within the scientific community. The team was led by virus expert Shi Zhengli, often referred to as “Batwoman” for her extensive work with coronaviruses, particularly at the Wuhan Institute. her expertise is considered vital in understanding and possibly mitigating future pandemic risks.

The Wuhan Institute has been at the center of speculation and theories suggesting that COVID-19 originated from a laboratory leak, an assertion that Shi Zhengli has consistently denied. Her continued research into bat coronaviruses is crucial for understanding and possibly mitigating future pandemic risks. The institute’s work remains a focal point in the ongoing effort to understand the origins and potential future threats posed by coronaviruses.

In a statement to ‘Newsweek’ magazine, the CDC emphasized that while they are aware of the publication regarding the new coronavirus in bats, scientists did not detect infections in humans. This distinction is critical in assessing the immediate threat posed by the virus. the CDC’s statement aims to reassure the public while underscoring the importance of continued monitoring and research.

Only a small fraction of the hundreds of known coronaviruses are capable of infecting humans. Notable examples include SARS-CoV, SARS-cov-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), and MERS-CoV (the virus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). These viruses have demonstrated the potential for notable global impact,underscoring the importance of ongoing research and surveillance. The emergence of these viruses highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent future outbreaks.

The HKU5-CoV-2 virus utilizes the ACE2 receptor to infect cells, the same mechanism employed by SARS-CoV-2. this virus belongs to the Merbecovirus group,which also includes the virus responsible for MERS. This connection raises concerns about its potential transmissibility and virulence. Scientists are closely examining this aspect to determine the potential risk to human populations.

Bat merbecoviruses, which are phylogenetically (referring to evolution and diversification) related to Mers-COV, have a high risk of dissemination to humans, either by direct transmission or facilitated by intermediate hosts.

a study published in the scientific magazine ‘Cell’

The study published in ‘Cell’ highlights the potential risk of bat merbecoviruses spreading to humans, either through direct contact or via intermediate animal hosts.This underscores the need for continued monitoring and research to understand the transmission pathways of these viruses. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

While the HKU5-CoV-2 virus can infect human cells in a laboratory setting, experts emphasize that its potential to spread between humans still needs to be investigated. The ability to infect cells dose not automatically translate to efficient human-to-human transmission. Further research is needed to determine the virus’s ability to replicate and spread in human populations.

The CDC reiterated this point, stating:

The referenced publication has shown that the bat virus can use a human protein to enter the cells in the laboratory, but have not detected infections in humans. The CDC will continue to monitor the activity of viral disease and will provide important updates to the public.

Edward holmes, an evolutionary biologist and virus specialist at Sydney University, offered a more cautious viewpoint. Speaking to ‘The Telegraph’, Holmes stated:

Identifying an Ace2 receiver in a merbecovirus is the most worrying look of this research.

He further elaborated on the implications of this finding:

presence of the ACE2 receiver makes the HKU5-cov-2 cease to be a curious bat virus and becomes a virus that we need to observe with a lot, very careful as it has the properties that would allow it to emerge in humans.

Holmes’s assessment underscores the importance of vigilance and continued research to fully understand the potential risks associated with the HKU5-CoV-2 virus. His perspective highlights the need for proactive measures and ongoing surveillance.