Scientists Warn of Possible New Coronavirus Risk in East Africa

Scientists have raised concerns over a possible return of a dangerous coronavirus in East Africa after researchers discovered a new virus in bats that may be able to infect human cells.

The study was carried out by scientists from the United Kingdom working together with researchers from Kenya. Their research focused on coronaviruses found in wildlife across East Africa, where people often live close to animals and natural habitats.

According to the study published in Nature, one of the Kenyan scientists involved was Dr James Nyagwange from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

The newly discovered virus, identified as CcCoV-KY43, was found in heart-nosed bats in Kenya, northern Tanzania, and some parts of eastern Sudan.

Laboratory tests showed that the virus can attach itself to receptors found in human lung cells. This is an important step because it means the virus may have the ability to infect people if it spreads from animals to humans.

Researchers closely examined the spike proteins of different alphacoronaviruses. These proteins act like “keys” that help viruses enter human cells by fitting into specific receptors.

Dr Dalan Bailey, a molecular biology expert at the Pirbright Institute, said earlier beliefs about how these viruses infect cells may have been limited.

He explained that before this study, scientists believed most alphacoronaviruses only used one or two receptors. However, the new findings suggest they may be able to use several different pathways to enter human cells.

This discovery means bat coronaviruses could have more ways of interacting with the human body than previously thought.

Professor Stephen Graham from the University of Cambridge said the new information will help scientists prepare early for possible future risks.

He compared viral spike proteins to keys and human cell receptors to locks, saying researchers must now identify other possible “locks” the virus may use.

Despite the concern, scientists have confirmed that there is currently no evidence that the virus has infected any human being.

Tests carried out in Kenya and other parts of the region have so far shown no cases of transmission from bats to people.

Dr Giulia Gallo from the Pirbright Institute also clarified that the research was conducted safely. She said scientists only used viral spike proteins in the lab and not the full virus, which helped reduce any laboratory risk.