A four-year study conducted by the Yunnan Institute for Endemic Disease Control and Prevention analyzed the kidneys of 142 bats from 10 species, revealing 22 viruses, 20 of which were newly identified.

These viruses, discovered in bats from the Yunnan region of southern China, are capable of causing severe encephalitis and fatal respiratory diseases.

In addition to the viruses, researchers uncovered a new protozoan named Klossiella yunnanensis and two new bacterial species, suggesting that bats may harbor a greater reservoir of dangerous pathogens than previously understood.

The viruses were primarily found in Rousettus leschenaultia fruit bats, which inhabit areas near orchards and residential villages, raising concerns about zoonotic transmission to humans through contaminated fruits.

Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam from Monash University emphasized the increased risk of transmission through contaminated fruits and water due to the bats' location and behavior.

These findings highlight the necessity for extensive microbial analyses to assess the risks associated with bat-to-human transmission of these viruses.

Notably, the newly discovered viruses share a genetic similarity of 52 to 57 percent with the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, both of which currently lack known cures or vaccines.

Yunnan's geographical and climatic conditions resemble those in Malaysia, where Nipah outbreaks have occurred, suggesting a heightened risk of virus spread.

Bats are recognized as natural reservoirs for many microorganisms that have historically caused epidemics in humans, including SARS and COVID-19.

Previous research has linked bats to the transmission of several deadly diseases, including Ebola, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19, underscoring the need for systematic monitoring of bat populations globally.

Specialist scientists have identified two new viruses in bats that pose a significant threat to human health, potentially leading to a pandemic worse than COVID-19.

The study utilized a novel approach by examining the internal organs of bats rather than just fecal samples, enhancing the chances of identifying pathogens that could pose risks to humans and animals.