Two new deadly viruses discovered in China

Alarming discovery: new viruses related to deadly Nipah and Hendra found in bats in China. Chinese scientists have identified pathogens capable of causing severe brain inflammation and dangerous respiratory diseases. The research results are published in the prestigious journal PLOS Pathogens.

As part of a large-scale four-year project, specialists from the Institute for Endemic Disease Control in Yunnan Province examined the kidneys of 142 bats of ten different species captured in five areas of the province. Using advanced high-throughput DNA sequencing methods, scientists discovered a real "zoo" of pathogens - 22 viruses, with 20 of them being completely new to science.

Of particular concern were two new viruses from the Henipavirus genus - the same one that includes the notorious Nipah and Hendra viruses with high mortality rates among infected humans. The situation is complicated by the fact that the new viruses were found in fruit-eating bats living near fruit orchards and settlements. Scientists warn of a significant risk of infection through contaminated fruits, as viruses of this group can be transmitted through animal urine.

In addition to viruses, researchers also discovered a new species of protozoa - Klossiella yunnanensis, and two bacterial varieties, one of which was previously unknown and named Flavobacterium yunnanensis.

The authors of the work note that their research for the first time allowed the complete decoding of the genomes of new viruses found in bat kidneys in China. According to scientists, the data obtained significantly expands the understanding of the "infectome" - the totality of all pathogens in the body - and indicates the critical need for constant monitoring of potential zoonotic threats, especially in areas of close contact between wildlife and humans.