Russia: Researchers have discovered a brand-new coronavirus in bats that is comparable to the SARS-CoV-2 that produces Covid and may infect people. Time cited a study published in the journal PLoS Pathogens to claim that the virus, known as Khosta-2, could similarly circumvent the protection offered by Covid vaccinations.
The virus was first identified in Russian bats two years ago, and it was first believed to be safe for humans; however, more recent testing in labs revealed that it may infect humans. According to the study, this virus is devoid of the genes that might lead to significant illness in people, in contrast to the SARS-CoV-2. However, it might if it spreads widely and combines with SARS-CoV-2 genes.
Khosta-2 enters human cells by binding to the ACE2 protein, much to the virus that causes Covid. The investigation conducted by researchers under the direction of Michael Letko at Washington State University also shown that the virus was not neutralised by human antibodies made in response to either the Covid vaccine or an Omicron infection. Therefore, neither Covid vaccinations nor past Covid infection would confer any immune protection on humans against Khosta -2.