A new dangerous virus has been detected in China: is the threat of a pandemic imminent?

Scientists have identified a new coronavirus variant in China that is close to being transmitted to humans. Its characteristics and potential consequences could be even more serious than COVID-19, experts warn.

According to The Independent, American scientists have published the results of studies on a new coronavirus variant called HKU5-CoV-2, which was first detected in China. It is part of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) virus and belongs to a family of dangerous pathogens that can have a mortality rate of up to 34%.

A study led by a team of scientists from Washington State University found that HKU5-CoV-2 may have the ability to spread not only to animals, but also between species. In other words, it is at the stage necessary to jump to humans.

A research team led by Professor Michael Letko has found that a small mutation in the spike protein of the virus has made it more similar to the ability of the ACE2 cell receptor found in the human mouth, throat and nose.

“The HKU5 virus has been poorly studied for a long time. But the analyses conducted show that it only needs one mutation to enter the human body,” says Professor Letko.

So far, the virus can only infect bat cells. However, if it undergoes a “successful mutation”, it will be able to multiply not only in the human respiratory tract, but also in internal organs, including the intestines. This poses the risk of a new pandemic.

During the study, scientists used genetically modified pseudoviruses. They contained the spike protein of HKU5 and were injected into human and animal cells that have ACE2 receptors. After introducing certain mutations, the virus began to enter human cells.

Interestingly, earlier Chinese scientists noted that one of the HKU5 variants was able to bind to human ACE2 receptors. This means that the virus is likely to be transmitted directly to humans, not through animals.

At the same time, there is no confirmed data on the spread of the virus among humans yet. However, scientists emphasize that constant surveillance and monitoring of this virus is necessary. Control should be strengthened, especially in areas associated with the wildlife trade in China, since there is a high risk of the virus “jumping” to humans in these places.

In conclusion, HKU5-CoV-2 is not yet a full-fledged threat, but if serious scientific and epidemiological control is not carried out over it, it may become a new global problem. Scientists are still closely monitoring this virus.