Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Shenzhen, Yunnan Institute for Endemic Disease Control
For a study whose results are described inIn a preprint published on the bioRxiv website, scientists took rectal samples from 149 bats. Animals represent 15 different species, living in six counties or cities in China's Yunnan province. For each individual mouse, the researchers performed RNA analysis and sequencing.
The results of the study showed a high frequencysimultaneous infection of one bat with several viruses. This could cause existing viruses to replace parts of their genetic code (recombine) to form new pathogens, the scientists say.
Distribution of viruses identified in Yunnan province. Image: Jing Wang et al., bioRxiv
Among the viruses found, scientists noted BtSY2 -a virus resembling SARS-CoV-2 that caused the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. BtSY2 also has a "receptor-binding domain" - a key part of the spike protein used for fixation on human cells. This virus can use the human ACE2 receptor to enter the cell, the scientists note.
Previous studies have already shown thatYunnan province in southwestern China is a hotbed of bat-borne viruses. Researchers believe that timely identification and analysis of potential pathogens will help prevent the widespread spread of diseases in the future.
Recall that according to the Chinese authorities nowThe country is facing a record coronavirus outbreak. On November 24, 32,943 new cases of infection were detected in the country, of which over 3,000 were associated with the manifestation of symptoms of the disease. The record of the previous wave was just over 29 thousand cases per day and was set in April of this year.
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