In a recent discovery, Chinese researchers, led by Shi Zhengli, have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, that utilizes the same ACE2 receptor as COVID-19 to infect human cells. The virus, found in Hong Kong bats, demonstrates the potential for animal-to-human transmission.
This finding is significant because, although less severe than SARS-CoV-2, this MERS-related virus can infect human lung and intestinal tissues, prompting concerns regarding pandemic readiness. The World Health Organization has taken proactive measures by including merbecoviruses on their list of emerging pathogens to monitor.