Brazilian scientists have identified a completely new type of virus in bats as a result of research conducted in two regions of the country - the states of Maragnan and São Paulo, Bloomberg reports.
Experts named the virus BRZ batCoV. Its genetic characteristics are distinguished by its proximity to the viruses causing COVID-19 and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). According to the research results, the virus belongs to the beta-coronavirus family, which also includes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), MERS (MERS-CoV), and SARS viruses.
Scientists emphasized that the BRZ batCoV virus currently poses no threat to human health. However, according to them, the stabbing protein part in the virus structure can be broken down by certain enzymes in animal and human cells - suggesting the possibility of facilitating the virus's entry into the body.
BRZ batCoV has been found mainly in small species of bats that feed on insects. Scientists say that climate change and human activity can influence the emergence and spread of this virus.
It should be recalled that recently, the head of Russia's Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, also announced the detection of a new XFG (Stratus) strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the country.
According to experts, scientific observations of viruses such as BRZ batCoV will play an important role in predicting future pandemics and developing preventive measures.
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