In recent developments, the government has directed an inquiry into a study that was performed in Nagaland by researchers hailing from China, the US, and India. This study focused on bats and humans possessing antibodies to lethal viruses such as Ebola. The investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind allowing the scientists to collect live samples from bats and bat hunters (humans) without attaining the required permissions. These actions have been initiated amidst the global struggle with the novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak, which originated in China.
Key Points of the Study
In the state of Nagaland, bats are collected annually as part of a ritual by a Naga Tribe. The researchers investigated the individuals who participated in this tradition. According to the Nagaland study, bats in South Asia appear to be a reservoir host for various filoviruses. Furthermore, there seems to be a spillover of filovirus through human exposure to these bats. This spillover effect suggests that the virus unexpectedly moved from bats to humans in a single event and subsequently transmitted from one human to another.
About Filovirus
Filoviruses are members of a virus family known as Filoviridae. They are filamentous RNA viruses belonging to a genus that incites severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates. To date, three genera of this virus family have been identified, namely, Cuevavirus, Marburgvirus, and Ebolavirus. It is noteworthy to mention that Northeast India has no historical record of the Ebola virus. However, this study detected the presence of filovirus-reactive antibodies in humans, including bat hunters, and bat populations, suggesting a zoonotic spread. It is crucial, however, to note that the potential virus detected in bats may not be the exact replica of the virus responsible for various outbreaks.
Links Between Bats and Diseases
All bat species have the potential to carry viruses. In fact, many high-profile epidemics have been traced back to bats. Examples include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), where antibodies were found in insectivorous bats, and Ebola, where antibodies were detected in Hammer-headed fruit bats. Moreover, the Indian Flying Fox is known to host over 50 viruses. Bats represent an impressive 20% of the earth’s mammalian diversity, with approximately 1,200 species identified so far. Continuous flight raises a bat’s body temperature, which, in turn, boosts their immunity and helps them withstand the pathogenic effects of harmful microbes.
Recommended Preventive Measures
In light of the rising challenges posed by newly discovered viruses, it is essential to ensure that all medical studies conducted within the country comply with rigorous norms. The objective should be to avoid any potential health risks or biosecurity threats that may be associated with hasty or ill-planned research activities. The government’s current investigation into the Nagaland study represents a positive step towards safer and more ethical research practices.
