“NeoCov Explained”; A new variant of Corona from Bats

According to scientists from Wuhan, China, a new variant of COVID called “NeoCov” is transmitting with a very high death rate. The transmitters of this virus are thought to be Bats and have origins in South Africa.

What is NeoCov?

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses, from the common cold to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). NeoCov is a virus that has been around for quite some time. In 2012 and 2015, it was discovered in Middle Eastern countries for the first time. MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, both have traits in the NeoCov.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is the functional receptor of the (MERS-CoV) and several other bat coronaviruses. Some of the bat Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and, less favorably, human ACE2 can be used by NeoCov and its close relative, PDF-2180-CoV, to enter the body. For ACE2 binding and high affinity, the two viruses employ their spikes’ S1 subunit carboxyl-terminal domains. Scientists discovered a molecular determinant near the viral binding interface that prevents human ACE2 from reinforcing NeoCov infection, particularly around the Asp338 residue. After a T510F mutation in the receptor-binding motif, NeoCov infects human ACE2 expressing cells effectively. Notably, antibodies directed against SARS-CoV-2 or MERS-CoV were unable to neutralize the infection.
‘ One in every three people dies, Is this true?

Also Read: Qatar has given out over four million vaccine doses. 

Is NeoCov is really Dangerous?

NeoCov does not infect humans in its current form, but the researchers warn that further mutations could make it dangerous. Antibodies targeting MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 could not neutralize NeoCov infection. A virus’s receptor-binding domain (RBD) allows it to dock to body receptors and gain entry into cells, leading to infection. By mutations, in RBD regions NeoCov may have the potential to infect humans if it is further adapted, warned by the researchers.

Till now, there is no direct evidence that NeoCov has an effect on the human body, so we should not be concerned very much. Despite reports of a new variant known as ‘NeoCov’ that only requires one mutation to enter human cells, doctors advised people not to get panic. One in every three people is likely to perish. It is just a theory that made the news on social media. It’s just a hypothesis that’s morphing into sensationalist doomsday scenarios. Even the WHO said that further research is needed to determine whether the virus discovered in the study poses a risk to human existence or not.