Bats-associated beta-coronavirus detection and characterization: First report from Pakistan

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Zoonotic Disease Research
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Bats host numerous pathogenic viruses, posing significant public health risks.
• Recent outbreaks like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 underscore the threat of bat-borne viruses.
• Early detection of potentially pandemic viruses in bat populations is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect and characterize coronaviruses in bats in Pakistan.
• To analyze the evolutionary and structural relationships of detected viral strains.
• To assess the potential for bat-borne coronavirus spillover in the region.

Main Methods:

• Sample collection from bat populations (Rousettus leschenaultia).
• Detection of beta coronaviruses using molecular techniques.
• Partial RdRp gene sequencing for evolutionary and phylogenetic analysis.
• Amino acid sequence alignment and 3-D protein structure analysis.

Main Results:

• Coronaviruses were identified in bats in Pakistan for the first time.
• Detected viral strains show close genetic and structural similarity to MERS-CoV-like viruses.
• A significant substitution (SDD to ADD) was observed in a conserved region of the RdRp protein.

Conclusions:

• Coronaviruses are actively circulating within the bat population in Pakistan.
• The findings suggest a potential MERS-CoV-like reservoir in Pakistani bats.
• Recommendations include nationwide bat virome screening to identify and mitigate future pandemic risks.