Two new viruses, which are closely associated with deadly viruses that can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory disease in humans, have discovered researchers at the Junan endemic institute in China, in the kidneys.

Viruses are described in a publication in the Open Access Magazine “PATHOGENS”.

In the study, the researchers examined the interior of the kidneys of 142 bats of ten species, collected for four years in five areas of Yunnan province, from which the Covid19 pandemic began in December 2019.

Using advanced genetic sequencing, the group found 22 viruses, 20 of them had never been observed before.

Two of the most worrying were the young viruses Henipaof the same gender as Nipah and Hendra viruses, which are known for high mortality rates in humans.

These viruses were found in fruits that lived near orchards, within walking distance of human villages (central photography).

Since Henipa viruses can spread through urine, study raises concerns about infected fruits and the risk these viruses to jump into humans or animals.

The research also identified a new protozoic parasite and two particularly abundant bacterial species, one of which is newly respected.