24 new COVID variants found in bats in China; one similar to SARS-CoV-2, claim Chinese researchers
Chinese researchers who were probing the samples from bats in Yunnan Province have assembled 24 genome sequences. The researchers claim that out of 24, one is similar to SARS-CoV-2 virus which at present has spread globally.
FollowResearchers from Shandong University China reported that 24 novel coronavirus genomes from different bat species were found after a probe from samples. Out of 24, one is close to the SARS-CoV-2 which is a global breakout now.
As per reports, between May 2019 to November 2020, researchers collected samples from bats found in Yunnan Province's botanical garden. The samples included  283 fecal samples, 109 oral swabs and 19 urine from the bat colony.
After a thorough study, the scientists assembled 24 genome sequences.
"It would be the closest strain to SARS-CoV-2 except for genetic differences on the spike protein, the knob-like structure that the virus uses when attaching to cells," a report quoted researchers as stating in the journal.
The researchers are trying to find out whether these coronaviruses can transmit into animals like cattle, pigs, cats, dogs, mice and chickens.
The research is part of a World Health Organisation convened study to trace the coronavirus origin.
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