MERS-like virus identified in bat from Uganda

A team of researchers from the United States and Uganda recently identified a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-like coronavirus, called PDF-2180, in a bat in Uganda which the researchers said gives evidence that similar coronaviruses originate in bats.

In laboratory testing, the researchers found that the virus’ overall genetics appeared similar to MERS-coronavirus. They did also find, however, that there were significant differences in part of its spike gene, which is responsible for invading cells.

Simon J. Anthony, assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, said the differences in the virus’ spike gene indicated that it was unlikely to pose a threat to humans.

Anthony, along with researchers at the University of California at Davis’ One Health Institute and the Gorilla Doctors organization, found that the virus was 87 percent identical to the MERS virus and 91 percent identical to another coronavirus found in a South African bat. The virus’ spike gene, however, was only 46 percent identical to its MERS counterpart.

“Collectively, these examples demonstrate that the MERS-related coronaviruses are highly associated with bats and are geographically widespread,” Anthony said.

The researchers said the next step was to test the ability of the virus to spread to humans by constructing an infectious MERS clone that expresses the PDF-2180 spike protein. In this scenario, the virus could reproduce but could not enter the receptor normally used by MERS to infect its host.

The study received support from the USAID Emerging Pandemic Threats PREDICT Project and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).