Daijiworld Media Network – Beijing

Beijing, Jun 25: In a discovery that has sparked concern among global health experts, Chinese scientists have identified 20 new viruses in bats—two of which are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses known for causing severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans.

Published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, the findings emerged from a study conducted by the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers analysed kidney samples from 142 bats across 10 species, collected between 2017 and 2021. Out of the 22 viruses detected, 20 were previously unknown to science.

Of greatest concern are Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2, which share a close genetic resemblance with Hendra and Nipah viruses—both of which have caused fatal outbreaks in humans and animals in the past. Alarmingly, the viruses were discovered in the kidneys, hinting that bat urine could be a potential transmission route, especially through contaminated fruit or water in areas near bat roosting sites.

Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, told Business Standard: “This is a serious reminder that dangerous viruses are still hidden in nature. What’s worrying is that this possible urine-based transmission route has not received enough attention.”

The bats in question were roosting near fruit orchards close to rural villages, increasing the likelihood of human exposure. Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam, a molecular virologist at Monash University Malaysia, warned: “The kidney discovery raises alarm about exposure through contaminated fruit or water.”

In addition to the viruses, researchers also identified a new protozoan parasite (Klossiella yunnanensis) and an unknown bacterial species (Flavobacterium yunnanensis), pointing to a complex web of pathogens in bats that could pose emerging threats to human health.

Although there is no immediate threat or outbreak, virologists warn that the possibility of zoonotic spillover cannot be ignored. Experts attribute increased risk to growing human encroachment into wildlife habitats and climate change, both of which are fuelling closer contact between humans and potential viral reservoirs.

Health experts have urged the following precautions:

• Expanding surveillance to include multiple bat organs, particularly kidneys
• Strengthening public health infrastructure in rural areas
• Educating communities to wash fruits, cover produce, and boil water
• Including wildlife monitoring in national epidemic preparedness policies

Dr Tayal concluded with a stark warning: “Post-Covid, we know how fast a virus can cross borders and spread globally. We cannot afford to be unprepared again.”