SARS-CoV-2-related viruses capable of infecting human cells discovered in bats in northern Laos

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, several animal species have been studied to identify potential reservoirs and/or intermediate hosts of the virus. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur du Laos and the National University of Laos recently set out to shed light on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and explore the potential presence of SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses in the natural environment by carrying out a field mission in northern Laos on various bat species living in limestone caves. By analyzing samples collected during the mission, scientists from the Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris and the Alfort National Veterinary School (EnvA) were able to identify the existence of SARS-CoV-2-like viruses in the bats. These viruses recognize human cells with an efficacy similar to that of the original strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The findings were published as a preprint on Research Square, prior to peer review with a view to future publication in a scientific journal.

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