Scientists have discovered a new coronavirus that can infect humans. Researchers from Brazil, working with experts from the University of Hong Kong, found the virus after collecting samples from the mouths and rectums of bats.
This new virus is closely related to MERS, a disease that has a high fatality rate, killing about 35% of those it infects. Researchers have raised concerns because the virus’s spike protein, which helps it enter cells, suggests it could infect human cells.
The virus, along with six others found during the study, is being sent to China for further testing. Scientists will study whether these viruses can infect human cells, even though there are concerns about such experiments due to their potential link to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lead researcher Dr. Bruna Silverio, from the University of São Paulo, said: “Right now, we aren’t sure it can infect humans.
“But we detected parts of the virus’s spike protein (which binds to mammalian cells), suggesting potential interaction with the receptor used by MERS-CoV.”
