For instance, SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell after attaching to the ACE2 receptor in our bodies (primarily in the lungs). For example, the species in which a virus primarily lives and reproduces, called the reservoir species, usually doesn't show signs of illness.Īs for which components of a pathogen are involved in a spillover, a virus can benefit if it targets something in one species that's shared across other species. In addition, there's still some debate as to whether bats host more viruses than other mammals, but Cara Brook, a disease ecologist at the University of Chicago, says, "it is generally accepted that they host the most virulent viruses known to people." - Ari DanielĪ virus can act differently in different species. By boosting their immune response, this ability to self-repair could keep viral infections circulating in their bodies without leading to illness. ![]() ![]() Bats have evolved ways of minimizing this damage and repairing it when it occurs. But that creates more stress on their bodies, which causes DNA damage and inflammation. They're the only mammal capable of flight, which requires a high metabolism to keep up. It has to do in part with the bats' ability to suppress inflammation. There's some fascinating work looking at bat biology and how the immune system of these animals may allow them to carry a large number of viruses without getting sick. Why are bats so often linked to spillover events and other pandemic outbreaks? Do they carry more viruses than other animals, and if so, why? Thanks for doing this series! - Jodi McClory That way, says de Oliveira, "if it starts to spread around the world, we'll know how to respond." - Nurith Aizenman Researchers will then make a point of taking blood samples and otherwise monitoring people in those areas to identify new pathogens circulating there and get the jump on developing diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines against any new disease they find. The idea is for ecologists and data experts to collaborate with disease experts to hone in on locations where climate change seems particularly likely to amplify spillover events. South African-based Tulio de Oliveira is a researcher who helped launch an international effort to combat precisely this sort of climate change-amplified spillover possibility. Is that bad from a spillover virus perspective – for me or my dogs? Should I train my pups to be less. Get ready for a silly question: I love my pups very much – and I think they love me too because I get lots of kisses. Here are some of the queries, answered by the correspondents who contributed to our series. We also asked you to send us your questions on hidden viruses. We've interviewed disease detectives, and we've looked at how to stop the next pandemic. ![]() In a series of radio and digital posts, we've covered a variety of viruses, from Marburg to Nipah to a mysterious new coronavirus found in Malaysia and Florida. We've been exploring the topic of spillover viruses this year - when animal pathogens jump into people and can lead to outbreaks, even pandemics. And somehow a person catches it - maybe by contact with the animal's blood or feces, maybe just by breathing in. The animal will be tested for the virus, examined and ultimately released.Ī bat or a rat or a chicken has a virus. A field researcher holds a male bat that was trapped in an overhead net as part of an effort to find out how the animals pass Nipah virus to humans.
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