New coronavirus subspecies with SARS-CoV-2–like mutation discovered in Brazilian bat

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COVID-19
SARS
MERS-CoV
Bats in night sky
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Scientists have identified a new coronavirus subgenus in a Brazilian bat with a feature that, as in the related SARS-CoV-2 virus, allows it to invade human cells, per a non–peer-reviewed study published on the preprint server bioRxiv.

The Pteronotus parnellii bat (Parnell's mustached bat) harbored the BRZ batCoV virus, which the researchers say has likely been silently circulating in Latin America for some time, given limited sampling in the region.

Bats are considered important hosts of betacoronaviruses such as SARS-CoV (which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS), SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS). "The high diversity of viruses in bats therefore positions them as a key taxonomic group for zoonotic disease surveillance," the investigators wrote.

Difference of only 1 amino acid

The researchers, from Japan and Brazil, collected intestinal tissue samples from 70 bats from three locations from May to August 2019 and digitally studied the virus's genetic sequence. The process revealed a distinct subgenus with a functional furin cleavage site (FCS) on its spike protein and a unique amino acid sequence motif that differs from that of SARS-CoV-2 by only one amino acid. 

Our study provides a broader understanding of the phylogenetic and functional diversity of bat coronaviruses as well as their zoonotic potential.

The discovery hints that the mutation isn't uncommon, the authors said. Indeed, FCS have been identified in the surface proteins of other RNA viruses.

"Comparative structural analysis identified other betacoronaviruses in bats with furin cleavage sites at the S1/S2 junction, suggesting that this region is a structurally permissive 'hotspot' for cleavage site incorporation," the study authors wrote. "Our study provides a broader understanding of the phylogenetic and functional diversity of bat coronaviruses as well as their zoonotic potential."

The results underscore the importance of RNA virus surveillance in South American bats and "highlight the importance of elucidating FCS acquisition events as a central molecular mechanism that shapes the pathogenicity and host range of these viruses," they concluded.

Deadly multistate Listeria outbreak tied to prepared pasta meals expands

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Topics
Listeria
Foodborne Disease
Listeria in petri dish
KatarzynBialasiewicz / iStock

Seven new illnesses and two additional deaths have been reported in multistate Listeria outbreak tied to prepared pasta meals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said yesterday in updates.

A total of 27 people in 18 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes, with 25 hospitalizations and 6 deaths. One pregnancy-associated infection resulted in fetal loss. Deaths have been reported in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.

The illness-onset dates range from August 6, 2024, to October 16, 2025. Patient ages range from 4 to 92 years, with a median age of 74 years. Two thirds of patients are women.

Infections linked to pre-cooked pasta

The outbreak has been linked to prepared meals that include pre-cooked pasta made by Nate's Fine Foods, which does not sell its products directly to consumers. On September 30, the company expanded its recall of certain lots of pre-cooked pasta after a sample of linguini collected from a frozen meal made by FreshRealm tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria. The strain matched one identified earlier in pasta from a FreshRealm chicken alfredo meal.

According to the CDC, of the 13 people who have been interviewed by state and local public health officials, 7 reported eating precooked meals purchased from Walmart and Kroger, and 4 specifically reported chicken fettucine alfredo. Two people also reported eating deli salads from other stores.

Among the products that have been recalled are Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, Scott & Jon's Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls, and Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettucine Alfredo.

"CDC and states are working to get information on whether sick people ate recalled food or if additional foods may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes," the FDA said. "Consumers should double check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled foods."

The FDA said the company is working with the agency and its customers to determine if additional recalls are needed.

Listeriosis primarily affects older people, young children, those with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women. In pregnant women, even mild illness can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. 

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