The viruses were detected in bats living in orchards near villages in southwest China
Scientists have discovered in China two new viruses in bats that are linked to death viruses Nipah and Hendra, which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory disease in humans, was released on Tuesday.
The viruses were detected in bats living in orchards near villages in southwest China and the results of the discovery were released in the scientific publication of open access plos pathoges.
Investigators from the Yunnan Endemic Disease Prevention and Control Institute in China, they have analyzed the interior of the kidney of 142 bats of ten species, collected over four years in five areas of Yunnan Province.
By using advanced genetic sequencement, the team found 22 viruses, 20 of which never seen before.
Two of the most worrying viruses were the new Henipaviruses of the same genre of Nipah and Hendra viruses, known for their high mortality rates in humans.
Henipaviruses were found in frugivore bats and, as they can spread through urine, the study raises concerns about contaminated fruits and the risk of these viruses to pass to humans or animals of creation.
Bats are natural reservoirs for microorganisms, including pathogens that were transmitted to humans.
However, a complete survey of the diversity of viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites that infect bats is lacking.
Most previous studies focused on the feces and not in the organs of these animals.
