Chinese Researchers Identify New Bat Coronavirus with Potential Human Infection Risk
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A team of Chinese researchers has discovered a new bat coronavirus capable of infecting humans through the same receptor used by the virus responsible for COVID-19.
The study, led by virologist Shi Zhengli—widely known as "batwoman" for her extensive research on bat coronaviruses—was conducted at the Guangzhou Laboratory in collaboration with the Guangzhou Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, according to South China Morning Post.
Shi, best known for her work at the Wuhan Institute, has been at the center of the debate over COVID-19’s origins, with some theories suggesting the virus may have leaked from a lab. While the exact source remains uncertain, some studies propose it originated in bats before jumping to humans via an intermediate animal host. Shi has denied allegations that the institute was responsible for the outbreak.
The newly identified virus belongs to a lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, initially discovered in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong. It is part of the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the virus responsible for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
Researchers found that the virus binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor—the same entry point used by SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.
The study, published in the journal Cell on Tuesday, has drawn significant attention, with concerns echoing the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the report’s release, stocks in pharmaceutical companies surged, with Pfizer (PFE.N) gaining 1.54% and Moderna (MRNA) rising by 5.34%.
In contrast, the broader stock market saw sharp declines. The S&P 500 fell by 1.71%, marking its worst day in two months, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 1.69%—its steepest decline this year. The Nasdaq Composite also tumbled 2.2%.
The market downturn coincided with concerns about HKU5-CoV-2, which researchers say resembles SARS-CoV-2. Although coronaviruses refer to a broad category of viruses affecting both animals and humans, SARS-CoV-2, MERS, and the newly identified HKU5-CoV-2 share key similarities, raising questions about potential human transmission.
Currently, there are no reported cases of HKU5-CoV-2 infections in humans. However, laboratory tests conducted by Wuhan researchers indicate that the virus can infiltrate human cells in a manner similar to SARS-CoV-2. Notably, HKU5-CoV-2 also shares closer similarities with MERS, a virus with a high fatality rate, killing nearly a third of those infected. MERS cases remain rare, with only two confirmed infections in the United States, both in 2014.
The new virus is believed to be linked to minks and pangolins, the latter of which was previously suspected as an intermediate host that facilitated the transmission of COVID-19 from bats to humans.
Despite concerns, some experts are urging caution against alarmist reactions. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota, told Reuters that public immunity to SARS-related viruses has increased since 2019. He stated that the fears sparked by the study are "overblown" and emphasized that the researchers themselves warned against exaggerating the potential risk to humans.
Meanwhile, broader economic factors may also be contributing to the stock market decline. Economists have cautioned that market instability could be linked to inflation concerns and potential tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump. Inflation in January reached 3.0%, the highest since June of the previous year, with the 2024 average standing at 2.9%. Rising prices have impacted goods such as eggs, up by 15.2%, and fuel oil, which increased by 6.2%.
With inflation remaining high, the Federal Reserve is unlikely to lower interest rates in the near term, which analysts say could further pressure financial markets.
