American researchers suspect of a new COVID-19 variant discovered in China that could lead to another pandemic. Scientists warn that the new HKU5-CoV-2 virus is just one ‘small’ mutation away from becoming highly infectious and cause an outbreak among humans.
The pathogen detected in the virus is closely linked to MERS, an extremely lethal virus that can kill upto a third of its affected, as per the Daily Mail reports. As per previous findings from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, HKU5 has too been found in bats in a Chinese lab. A study from the Washington State University recorded the unique pathogens interact with the human cells.
As per reports, Professor Michael Letko co-led the study as the virologist confirmed that the viruses are infection among human cells. The findings of the study revealed that a small change in the virus HKU5’s spike protein can potentially blind ACE2 cells in humans. These are commonly found in the throats, mouths and noses, acting as a receptor for coronaviruses.
Findings of the recent study
As per the recent studies, the HKU5-CoV-2 strain is only spread in bats but scientists fear unregulated wildlife a major cause for concern for a spillover. “Pseudo-viruses” were created with specified gene-editing to test the different types of cells and how they react to it while some carrying bat ACE2 were tested as well.
It was recorded that human cells showed little response unless the virus carried specific mutations. However, the point of concern is raised by the possibility of HKU5 reaching an intermediate animal stage, that is of a mink with easy access to humans.
Findings also revealed a susceptibility to wetness and humidity as a breeding ground for the maturation HKU5-CoV-2 serving as an intermediate host of transmission from animals to humans.
The point of concern, although, is fixated on its similarity to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) which is highly infectious among humans. But, scientists are still studying the mutation pattern and whether it is likely to infect humans or not while some variants did latch on to human ACE2 cells.
With over 4800 active COVID-19 cases in India and the death toll risen over 50, residents are concerned about their health. However, recovery rates have too been high.
