New Bat Coronavirus Discovered in China: Danger?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• New bat coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2 discovered in China, potentially infecting humans.
• The virus enters cells using the same ACE2 receptor as SARS-CoV-2.
• The study was led by Shi Zhengli, known as the “Batwoman.”
• Researchers believe the risk of it spreading in human populations is currently low.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 7 million deaths worldwide.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Chinese researchers have discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, with the potential to infect humans. The new virus uses the same cell-surface protein to infiltrate cells as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused COVID-19. Discovery of new coronaviruses creates concern.

What is HKU5-CoV-2?

This new virus has been discovered in bats in China. Shi Zhengli, a leading Chinese virologist known as the “Batwoman,” conducted the study at the Guangzhou Laboratory. Researchers believe the risk of human infection is low, but further investigation is still underway.

Virus Infection

Scientists found that like SARS-CoV-2, the bat virus HKU5-CoV-2 contains a feature called the furin cleavage site, which helps it enter cells. It enters cells through the ACE2 receptor protein. In lab experiments, HKU5-CoV-2 infected human cells with high ACE2 levels.

“Batwoman” Leads Research

The research was led by Shi Zhengli, China’s leading virologist. She is popularly known as the “Batwoman” due to her extensive knowledge and research into bat coronaviruses. Shi Zhengli is also known for her work at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

How Dangerous Is It?

According to Chinese researchers, HKU5-CoV-2 does not enter human cells as readily as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study also stated that the virus has significantly less binding affinity to human ACE2 than SARS-CoV-2. The risk to human populations is considered low.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Cases of the novel coronavirus were first detected in China in December 2019. The virus then spread rapidly to other countries around the world. As of February 2025, the global pandemic has caused 7,087,718 deaths, making it the fifth deadliest pandemic in history.

The Path Forward

Scientists believe that more information needs to be gathered about this virus to reduce its danger. Studying its transmission methods and ability to infect humans is critical. Continued research is crucial for preparedness.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• New bat coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2 discovered in China.
• The virus has the potential to infect humans.
• “Batwoman” Shi Zhengli led the study.
• Scientists believe the current risk to human populations is low.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives worldwide.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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