An international research team has identified a bat coronavirus in East Africa that can infect human lung cells, raising concerns about potential spillover to people. The virus, named CcCoV-KY43, was found in Herzblatt bats (Cardioderma cor) across regions including eastern Sudan and northern Tanzania.
The discovery, published in the journal Nature, reveals that while CcCoV-KY43 is not closely related to SARS-CoV-2, it belongs to the alphacoronavirus group — which includes viruses that typically cause mild colds in humans. Laboratory tests showed the virus can bind to a receptor present in human lung cells, suggesting it has the basic ability to enter human cells.
Despite this capability, preliminary screening of local populations in Kenya has so far found no evidence of human infection. Researchers emphasized that although the virus possesses the molecular tools to infect human cells, there is currently no indication it has jumped to people.
The study highlights the importance of monitoring zoonotic viruses in wildlife, particularly in regions where human-wildlife interaction is increasing. Experts warn that while the immediate risk appears low, the virus’s ability to interact with human receptors warrants continued surveillance.
