Chinese researchers team identify new bat-to-human coronavirus

2025-02-25 03:43:04

(MENAFN) A research team in China has identified a new bat coronavirus that shares the same receptor as Covid-19, enabling it to infect humans. This discovery underscores the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent further spread, as reported by Reuters. The virus belongs to a separate lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, first found in the Japanese Pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong.

The study was led by Shi Zhengli, known as "batwoman" for her extensive research on bat coronaviruses. Zhengli is also known for her work at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which has been a focal point in the debate over the origins of Covid-19. Although the lab-leak theory has circulated, Zhengli has denied any connection between the outbreak and the institute.

The new findings come amid ongoing investigations into the origins of Covid-19, with a recent US Congressional report suggesting cover-ups by the Chinese government. Since its emergence in Wuhan in December 2019, the virus has caused millions of deaths worldwide.

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