Coronavirus Found in Brazilian Bats Expands Global Map of Risk.

The article discusses the discovery of a new coronavirus, named BRZ batCoV, in bats in Brazil, which carries genetic features similar to those found in viruses responsible for Covid-19 and MERS. Detected in the mustached bat species Pteronotus parnellii, the virus was found in the states of Maranhao and Sao Paulo and belongs to the betacoronavirus family. Notably, it possesses a furin cleavage site in its spike protein, a feature previously unreported in bat coronaviruses from the Americas, suggesting independent evolution in South American bat populations. The research emphasizes the significance of wildlife surveillance in monitoring coronaviruses to prevent potential spillover into humans, although there is currently no evidence that this virus infects humans. [Extracted from the article]