What is Khosta-2: New Covid-like virus found in Russian bats | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

What is Khosta-2: New Covid-like virus found in Russian bats

Sep 26, 2022 04:04 PM IST

Khosta-2: Khosta-2 and SARS- CoV-2 belong to the same sub-category of coronaviruses known as sarbecoviruses.

A new SARS-CoV-2-like virus capable of infecting humans has been found in Russian bats, a study found. The virus which is resistant to current vaccines against COVID-19 was found by a team led by researchers at Washington State University (WSU), US. The researchers found spike proteins from the bat virus, named Khosta-2, and said that the virus can infect human cells.

Khosta-2: Researchers at Washington State University found spike proteins from the bat virus.(Pixabay)
Khosta-2: Researchers at Washington State University found spike proteins from the bat virus.(Pixabay)

Here's all you need to know about Khosta-2, a new Covid-like virus found in Russian bats:

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

1. Khosta-2 and SARS- CoV-2 belong to the same sub-category of coronaviruses known as sarbecoviruses.

2. Khosta-2 poses a threat to the ongoing vaccine campaigns against Covid, the study said.

3. The study highlighted the need to develop universal vaccines to protect against sarbecoviruses.

Read more: 'Speak out' against China policies, commentator tells Covid experts. Here's why

4. The Khosta-1 and Khosta-2 viruses were discovered in Russian bats in late 2020.

5. Both did not appear to be a threat to humans initially, the researchers said.

6. The researchers said that Khosta-1 posed low risk to humans, but Khosta-2 demonstrated some troubling traits.

7. There is a potent risk of Khosta-2 recombining with a second virus like SARS-CoV-2.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On