Scientists Warn of Possible Return of Dangerous Coronavirus in East Africa
Scientists have raised concerns about a possible future resurgence of a dangerous coronavirus-related threat in East Africa after new research identified a bat-borne virus capable of interacting with human cells.
The study, which included work carried out in Kenya and neighboring regions, highlights ongoing risks linked to viruses circulating in wildlife populations where human and animal contact is frequent.
The research was a collaboration between scientists from the United Kingdom and East African researchers, including experts from the Kenya Medical Research Institute.
It focused on coronaviruses found in bats across East Africa, a region that includes Kenya, northern Tanzania, and parts of eastern Sudan.
These areas are known for close interactions between people, livestock, and wildlife, which can sometimes increase the risk of viruses crossing from animals to humans.
The findings, published in the scientific journal Nature (a leading global Nature), identified a virus named CcCoV-KY43. It was discovered in heart-nosed bats living in parts of East Africa.
Laboratory experiments showed that this virus has the ability to attach itself to receptors found in human lung cells.
This is an important biological step because it is what allows coronaviruses to potentially enter and infect human bodies if transmission from animals to humans occurs.
Researchers studied the spike proteins of different alphacoronaviruses. These spike proteins act like “keys” that allow viruses to unlock and enter human cells.
In controlled laboratory tests, scientists examined how these viral spikes interact with various human cell receptors to understand their infection potential.
Dr Dalan Bailey, a molecular biology expert from the Pirbright Institute, explained that earlier scientific understanding of these viruses was limited. He noted that researchers previously believed alphacoronaviruses used only one or two types of receptors to enter cells.
However, the new findings suggest they may actually use a wider range of receptors than previously thought, increasing the complexity of how these viruses could interact with humans.
According to Dr Bailey, this changes how scientists view the risk. It means there may be more possible pathways for these viruses to enter human cells than originally assumed.
Professor Stephen Graham from the University of Cambridge also commented on the findings, explaining that viral spike proteins function like biological keys fitting into cellular “locks.”
He emphasized that while the risk has always existed, the new research helps scientists better understand it and prepare in advance for possible future threats.
Importantly, the researchers stressed that there is currently no evidence that CcCoV-KY43 has infected humans.
Surveillance and testing carried out in Kenya and the wider East African region have not detected any spillover into human populations so far, which is reassuring for public health authorities.
Dr Giulia Gallo of the Pirbright Institute added that the research was conducted safely. Instead of working with the full live virus, scientists used only the spike proteins in laboratory experiments.
This approach reduced any risk while still allowing researchers to carefully study how the virus might behave if it ever encountered human cells in real-world conditions.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of continued monitoring of wildlife viruses in East Africa. While there is no current human infection, scientists say early detection and research are key to preventing possible future outbreaks.
Join TUKO KADI Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
