Thailand Scientists Identify New Coronavirus With Potential Human Infection Risk

Last Updated:May 08, 2026, 19:27 IST

Scientists in Thailand find new bat sarbecovirus that can bind human ACE2 receptors, no human spread seen, study in Cell urges stronger bat surveillance and pandemic preparedness.

Scientists in Thailand have identified a new coronavirus in bats that may have the potential to infect humans, according to a recent study published in the journal Cell.

Researchers stressed that there is currently no evidence the virus is spreading among humans, but said the discovery highlights the importance of monitoring animal viruses that could pose future outbreak risks.

The study, conducted by an international team including researchers from the University of Tokyo, identified several bat coronaviruses circulating in Thailand. One of the newly detected viruses showed characteristics suggesting it may be capable of infecting human cells under certain conditions.

Scientists said the virus belongs to the sarbecovirus family — the same broad group that includes the viruses responsible for SARS and Covid-19.

Why Scientists Are Monitoring It

Researchers found the virus may be capable of binding to ACE2 receptors, proteins present on human cells that were also used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter the body during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Experts clarified that the finding does not mean a new pandemic is imminent, but it does indicate possible zoonotic potential — meaning the virus could theoretically jump from animals to humans.

Viruses circulating in animals often never infect humans, but scientists closely track strains that show the ability to interact with human cells.

What Are Sarbecoviruses?

Sarbecoviruses are a subgroup of coronaviruses commonly found in bats. This group includes:

SARS-CoV-1, which caused the 2003 SARS outbreakSARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the Covid-19 pandemic

Researchers noted that many related viruses have been identified in wildlife over the years, though most never spill over into humans.

The latest study also found complex patterns of viral movement among horseshoe bat populations across Southeast Asia, particularly near the Thailand-Laos region.

Why Bat Surveillance Matters

Scientists say bats are natural reservoirs for many viruses and monitoring them helps:

Detect potential health threats earlyUnderstand how viruses evolveAssess spillover risks to humans and animals

Experts say such surveillance efforts became even more important after the Covid-19 pandemic exposed how rapidly zoonotic diseases can spread worldwide.

Is There Any Immediate Risk?

Researchers emphasised that there is currently no indication of human infections linked to the newly discovered virus.

Public health experts said the findings should be viewed as a scientific warning about possible future risks rather than evidence of an active outbreak.

The discovery, scientists say, reinforces the need for continued international cooperation, wildlife monitoring and pandemic preparedness to reduce the risk of future global health emergencies.

News world Thailand Scientists Identify New Coronavirus With Potential Human Infection Risk

Read More