A recent study has identified 22 previously unknown viruses in the kidney tissues of 142 bats collected from Yunnan province, China, between 2017 and 2021, according to reports by Newsweek and The Sun. Among them, two viruses show genetic similarities to the deadly Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, both known for causing severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans.
🔬 Key Discoveries from the Study:
- Two new henipaviruses named:
🦇 Yunnan bat henipavirus 1
🦇 Yunnan bat henipavirus 2
These viruses share 52% to 57% genetic similarity with known henipaviruses. - Viruses were found in bat kidneys — a site associated with urine production, raising concerns about transmission through contaminated fruits or water.
- The bats were roosting near fruit orchards, close to rural but populated villages, increasing the chance of human or livestock exposure.
- The team also discovered new bacteria species and a previously unknown parasite named Klossiella yunnanensis.
⚠️ Why This Matters:
The findings come in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, which also originated from China and raised global awareness about zoonotic viruses — those that spill over from animals to humans. While no direct threat has yet been reported from these newly found viruses, researchers have warned about their zoonotic potential.
Molecular virologist Prof. Vinod Balasubramaniam said the discovery is “concerning” due to the location of the viruses in kidneys, potentially allowing urine to contaminate fruits or water supplies, especially in regions with close human-animal proximity.
🧬 Context & Implications:
- Henipaviruses, such as Nipah and Hendra, are already classified as high-priority pathogens by WHO due to their high mortality rates and lack of effective treatments or vaccines.
- This is the first time full-length genomes of such henipaviruses have been discovered in bats in China.
- The Wuhan Virus Research Centre, previously under scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been known for researching bat-borne coronaviruses, adding weight to renewed concerns about viral emergence from animal reservoirs.
đź“Ś FAQs
1. Is the China bat virus dangerous?
While the newly found viruses haven’t infected humans yet, scientists have called them “critical zoonotic threats” that require urgent surveillance.
2. Could there be another pandemic from bats?
There is no current evidence of an imminent pandemic. However, the risk of spillover events continues to exist due to close human-wildlife interactions.
3. What virus is spreading in China?
Researchers recently discovered 20+ new viruses in bats, but none have been reported as spreading among humans. Monitoring is ongoing.
🧪 Bottom Line:
This research serves as a timely reminder that early detection and ecological surveillance are critical in preventing the next potential pandemic. Scientists are urging global health agencies to step up monitoring of zoonotic reservoirs, especially in regions with dense wildlife-human interfaces.
