HKU5 Virus

HKU5 Virus: Recently, researchers from US institutions warned about a subgroup of bat coronaviruses called HKU5, which could be just one mutation away from infecting humans and potentially causing the next global pandemic.

• About HKU5: A newly discovered bat coronavirus belonging to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes MERS-CoV known for its high fatality rate.

o It uses the ACE2 receptor to enter cells, the same receptor targeted by SARS-CoV-2, but currently binds effectively only to the bat version of ACE2.

o Found across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, showing a wide geographical spread.

o Research has shown HKU5 has crossed species barriers by infecting mink populations.

o It can bind to ACE2 receptors in multiple mammalian species, indicating possible spread through intermediate animals before reaching humans.