New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China Raises Concerns Over Potential Human Transmission

New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China Raises Concerns Over Potential Human Transmission

A research team in China has identified a new bat coronavirus that poses a risk of animal-to-human transmission, as it utilizes the same human receptor associated with the virus responsible for COVID-19. 

The study was spearheaded by Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist renowned for her extensive work on bat coronaviruses, often referred to as the “batwoman.” 

The research was conducted at the Guangzhou Laboratory in collaboration with experts from the Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

This discovery underscores the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring coronaviruses found in wildlife, particularly bats, which are known reservoirs for a variety of viruses that can potentially infect humans.