SARS virus originates from large ear bats

According to the results of the study published by the Australian National Research Institute (CSIRO) on October 31, the virus that causes Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has killed hundreds of people in 2003, has been confirmed to originate from the large ear bat species in China.

The result of this outstanding study by the international research group led by Professor Shi Zhengli from Wuhan Microbiology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, CSIRO and Linfa Wang science professor, was published in the magazine. Natural science.

Photo: theconversation.com

In this study, the team successfully isolated a SARS-like virus (CoV) that causes SARS, named SL-CoV WIV1 , directly from fecal samples of large-eared bats in China by means of The famous virus separation method, developed by scientists at CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Research Laboratory in Geelong, Victoria.

Previously, researchers used genetic genetic methods to demonstrate that bats are CoV viral reservoirs in nature. But this is the first time a live virus has been successfully separated from the bat to ascertain that they are the origin of the CoV virus.

The results of the study will help governments to develop effective SARS prevention measures and similar epidemics.

The coronary (CoV) virus that caused the SARS epidemic killed 774 people out of a total of 8,094 people, with a death rate of nearly 10%. With a series of diagnosed cases around the world, the SARS pandemic has seriously affected tourism and international trade.

Big-eared bats are found all over the world, including Australia and play an important role in the ecosystem. Their role in CoV transmission underscores the importance of protecting natural habitats for bats, to avoid forcing them to seek food in crowded urban areas.