The detection of diverse coronaviruses, including MERS-related coronaviruses, in South African bat populations and their associated ecology in Neoromica capensis

Purpose: Coronaviruses are RNA viruses encompassing four genera. The alpha- and betacoronaviruses commonly cause mild disease in humans. However, outbreaks of severe respiratory disease in 2002 and 2012 led to the identification of highly pathogenic human betacoronaviruses, SARS- and MERS-CoV, respectively. Bats are believed to be the reservoir host from which all mammalian coronaviruses emerged.
Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: 03.005 Source Type: research