This new virus reportedly can bind to humans in a comparable manner to the virus that causes COVID-19.
The Brief
A distinct coronavirus lineage was found in bats in Hong Kong. HKU5-CoV-2 carries a risk of animal-to-human transmission and binds to humans like the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers published their findings about the new virus in a recent study.
What is HKU5-CoV-2?
HKU5-CoV-2 is a coronavirus belonging to the merbecovirus group, which includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. It is a new lineage identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong.
What we don't know
It remains unknown if the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 will cause any disease in humans.
Study details findings on HKU5-CoV-2
Researchers published their findings in the scientific journal Cell, led by Shi Zhengli from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, indicating potential zoonotic risks.
Why you should care
HKU5-CoV-2 presents a risk of animal-to-human transmission because it uses the same human receptor as the virus responsible for COVID-19.
