Researchers Discover 20 Novel Viruses in Bats, Including Deadly Henipavirus Relatives

Researchers from China and Australia have identified 20 novel viruses in bats from southwest China, including two henipaviruses closely related to the deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. The study, published on Tuesday, analyzed the kidneys of 142 bats collected between 2017 and 2021 from Yunnan Province. Among the 22 viruses detected, nine were estimated to infect mammals, with researchers noting the potential for transmission to humans or livestock.
The newly discovered henipaviruses are the closest known relatives of pathogenic henipaviruses, which cause respiratory distress and brain inflammation in humans. The study also identified two bacterial species, one of which is newly discovered. Researchers warned that bats in orchards near villages could transmit viruses to humans via contaminated fruits.
Antiviral drug ribavirin has shown effectiveness against Nipah and Hendra viruses in lab settings, though its efficacy in humans remains unclear. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive pathogen evaluation across different bat organs, with authors recommending future research incorporate kidney and urine sampling to assess transmission risks.

Published: 6/26/2025