The virus, which uses the same ACE2 receptor to infect human cells as SARS-COV-2, caught attention due to its ability to penetrate human cells. What are its effects and what level of aggressiveness does it have.
A team of scientists from Wuhan Virology Institute They identified a new Coronavirus in batscalled HKU5-COV-2which could be a potential risk for human beings.
This viruswhich uses the same ace2 receptor for iNFECT HUMAN CELLS THAT SARS-COV-2He caught attention due to his ability to penetrate human cells, although he seems to be less virulent than his predecessor.
The researchers discovered the virus After studying hundreds of bats in several Chinese provincesand although there were still no infections in humans, the finding suggests that there could be a possibility of transmission in the future.
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COVID-19: They discover new virus in China bats with possible risk for humans
Despite concerns about pandemic potential, scientists point out that the HKU5-COV-2 has a significantly lower affinity for protein Ace2 human compared to the SARS-COV-2, which could limit its propagation capacity.
In addition, studies have identified antiviral treatments that could act against this virus. This discovery has had an impact on financial markets, raising the value of vaccine manufacturers, such as Pfizer, modern and novavax, which reflects the global concern about the risk of new zoonotic diseases.
However, experts such as Dr. Michael Osterholm They consider that the risk of a new pandemic is low, since there is greater immunity against viruses similar to SARS in the population.
Source: Ambito
