A recent study from Australia has provided significant insights into the emergence of new coronavirus variants in bats. Conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney and published in Nature Communications, the research highlights that young bats are particularly susceptible to viral infections, making them a potential source for the spillover of viruses to other species.
The study involved the collection of over 2,500 faecal samples from black and grey-headed flying foxes over three years, revealing that coronavirus infections were most frequently observed among juvenile bats during their weaning period, particularly from March to July. Dr Alison Peel, the lead author, noted a surprising high rate of co-infection among younger bats, with many infected by multiple coronaviruses simultaneously. This co-infection scenario is crucial, as it allows for the possibility of a single cell becoming infected with various viruses, which can lead to the generation of new viral strains.
While many coronaviruses are endemic to bat populations and typically do not infect humans, the study identified six nobecoviruses, with three being novel strains. The investigation underscored that although these coronaviruses are of little concern to bats, their dynamics change dramatically upon transmission to different species, which could result in public health risks.
Dr John-Sebastian Eden, a co-author of the study, emphasised that understanding the evolution of nobecoviruses in bats can provide valuable insights into the behaviour of more dangerous coronaviruses. The research tracked natural infection patterns using genomic analysis, creating a model for scientists studying coronavirus emergence and assessing future risks in bat populations globally. By monitoring co-infections in young bats within specific periods, the researchers aim to better anticipate the emergence of potentially hazardous coronaviruses before they escalate into threats to human health.
Overall, this study is pivotal in understanding the factors contributing to the emergence of new viral strains, especially in bats, and may enhance predictive efforts related to viral spillover events that can impact human populations.