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Characterization and evolutionary #history of novel #SARS-CoV-2-related #viruses in #bats from #Cambodia

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By G.M.

Abstract

Circulating bat coronaviruses present a significant pandemic threat, yet our  understanding of their genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics remains limited.  Over 3 years, we sampled 1,462 bats in Cambodia’s Steung Treng province,  identifying extensive and diverse coronaviruses co-circulation. Using  metatranscriptomic and amplicon sequencing, we generated 33 complete  sarbecovirus genomes, revealing novel lineages that cluster into four distinct  groups, each associated with different Rhinolophus bat species. Our analysis highlights rapid migration and recombination of sarbecovirus lineages over  short distances and timescales. Of note, the receptor-binding domains of two novel  viral groups exhibit high similarity to SARS-CoV-2, and pseudovirus assays  confirmed the ability of this spike protein to mediate entry into cells expressing  human ACE2, suggesting a potential zoonotic risk. The observed genetic diversity  underscores the urgent need for continuous surveillance to identify high-risk animal- to-human interfaces and inform pandemic preparedness. 

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.15.648942v1.full.pdf

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