Bats, often recognized as critical reservoirs of viruses with significant cross-species spillover risks, have remained largely understudied in the Indochina Peninsula. A recent study led by researchers from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, and their partners has shed light on the region’s bat virome diversity. This research offers crucial insights into the origins of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and highlights critical surveillance priorities.
From 2020 to 2024, the research team analyzed 659 samples from 197 bats across 16 species using next-generation sequencing (NGS). They identified 137 viral strains across 27 families, including 40 novel species. Notably, Rhinolophidae bats from China’s Yunnan and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region provinces exhibited the highest viral diversity, hosting 13 viral families and MERS-like coronaviruses. In contrast, Cambodian bats harbored viruses that were evolutionarily distant from known strains.
Key Discoveries in Viral Diversity
A particularly significant discovery was a PEDV-related virus in Cambodian Chaerephon plicatus bats. This virus, named CB_Mo.plicatus_PEDV-like_1, shared 90.36% genome homology with the PEDV CV777 strain and displayed a recombinant structure, combining suid-adapted ORF1ab and bat-adapted Spike genes. This finding further strengthens the evidence of bats as the potential evolutionary source of PEDV. Recombination analysis of 18 sequences revealed mosaicism in 16, with five regions showing no breakpoints (BFRs), emphasizing the frequency of viral genetic exchange.
“Our findings underscore critical surveillance gaps,” said corresponding author Yigang Tong. “The unique ecology of the Indochina Peninsula drives viral diversity and recombination. We call for enhanced cross-border ‘One Health’ initiatives targeting bat-human interfaces and recombination hotspots to prevent future zoonotic outbreaks.”
Implications for Surveillance and Public Health
The study’s revelations about the bat virome in Indochina highlight the urgent need for enhanced surveillance. Deep learning models used in the study further highlighted host adaptation risks. The ORF1ab of the PEDV-related virus showed a preference for suids (pigs), while its Spike gene favored bats, raising concerns about potential spillover if mutations occur.
These findings underscore the importance of proactive measures in monitoring and managing potential zoonotic threats. The research advocates for a ‘One Health’ approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, particularly in regions with high biodiversity and human-animal interactions.
Expert Insights and Historical Context
Yigang Tong, the study’s corresponding author, is a seasoned expert in virology. With a BSc in Genetics from Fudan University and advanced degrees in Medical Genetics and Microbiology, Tong has a rich history of contributions to the field. His work has been pivotal in understanding virus evolution and developing antiviral strategies.
Tong’s research history includes identifying cepharanthine, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, as a potent broad-spectrum antiviral agent against coronaviruses. His innovative bioinformatics methods for phage genome terminal identification have also been groundbreaking.
Tong has published over 500 papers in peer-reviewed international journals, including Nature, PNAS, and Lancet Infectious Diseases, with more than 370 indexed in SCI. His study on Ebola virus evolution, published in Nature, was named one of the “Top 10 Scientific Advances in China” in 2015.
Looking Ahead: The Path Forward
The study’s findings are a clarion call for enhanced international collaboration in virological research and surveillance. The potential for viral spillover from bats to other species, including humans, necessitates a coordinated global response. By focusing on regions like the Indochina Peninsula, where biodiversity and human-animal interactions are high, researchers can better anticipate and mitigate the risks of future pandemics.
As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges of emerging infectious diseases, the insights gained from this study provide a valuable roadmap for future research and public health strategies. The call for ‘One Health’ initiatives is more pertinent than ever, aiming to bridge gaps in our understanding and response to zoonotic threats.
