A new coronavirus has been discovered in the UK, which could potentially be dangerous to humans if it crosses with SARS-CoV-2. Bats have been living with various coronaviruses for millions of years, with each animal carrying an average of 2.7 virus species. While these viruses are not harmful to humans in their natural state, they can mutate and become dangerous if they infect human cells. Scientists have been monitoring bat populations to detect potential mutations that could lead to a jump to humans. Previously, the main risk was thought to come from bats in Southeast Asia and South China, but a new coronavirus has now been found in England.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia analyzed 53 fecal samples from lesser horseshoe bats in England and Wales, and discovered a previously unknown coronavirus called RhGB01. This virus belongs to the same subgenus as SARS and SARS-CoV-2, and is the first of its kind to be found in the UK and in lesser horseshoe bats worldwide. While RhGB01 is not currently a threat to humans, it could potentially become dangerous if it crosses with SARS-CoV-2.
The problem is that bats can act as a melting pot for virus mutations. If a bat infected with RhGB01 also becomes infected with SARS-CoV-2, the two viruses could cross and create a new virus that can infect humans. To prevent this, it is crucial to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to bats. Stricter regulations should be put in place for anyone who comes into contact with bats or other wild animals. The discovery of RhGB01 highlights the underestimated spread of Sarbecoviruses and their potential for recombination through co-infections.
