Coronavirus detected in bats

Bats as a possible carrier of the coronavirus?

08/23/2013

Meanwhile, the coronavirus has killed nearly 50 people. Especially in the Middle East, the virus is found. Scientists from a US-Saudi research team have now identified bats as a possible transmission route. In a contribution to the trade magazine „ Emerging Infectious“ you said you discovered the virus in bat dung.

The virus is a genus of viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae. It causes various diseases in mammals, rodents and birds. In humans, the genus of the human coronavirus species is particularly known as a trigger for infections and severe respiratory disease.

The researchers reported that they had a 100% agreement with the human coronavirus MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Ian Lipkin from Columbia University in New York says so „There have been several announcements that MERS-like viruses have been detected in animals.“ However, no genetic match could be detected in any case. The bat carrying the virus has now been found near the infection center in Saudi Arabia. There is no clear indication that bats generally transmit the virus to humans. The virus was first identified in September 2012 in people with severe respiratory infections. Similarities could also to the respiratory disease discovered in Asia ten years ago „SARS“ be determined. A total of 96 people were diagnosed with MERS. In 47 people, the infection led to death. (Fr)

Also read about coronaviruses:
Coronavirus first detected in France
Dromedaries transmit dangerous coronaviruses
Dangerous Corona virus in the UK
SARS-like pathogen infects patient from Qatar
Cause of mysterious disease in Cambodia

Picture credits: filorosso.eu - Manfred Gerber