Expert Views

Chinese Researchers Discover Bat Virus That Enters Human Cells Like COVID-19

Chinese scientists have identified a bat virus capable of infecting human cells through the same pathway as SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. The discovery raises concerns about potential future spillovers from wildlife to humans. Researchers found that the virus uses the ACE2 receptor to enter human cells, similar to COVID-19. While no immediate threat has been identified, the study highlights the ongoing risk of emerging zoonotic diseases and the need for vigilant surveillance of bat-borne viruses.