Researchers from China and Australia have found 20 novel viruses in bats from southwest China, including two henipaviruses that are related to the deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses, according to a study published on Tuesday.
The 22 viruses—including 20 novel viruses—were found after researchers examined the kidneys of 142 bats collected between 2017 and 2021 from five cities or counties in China’s southwestern Yunnan Province. Researchers also found two “highly abundant” bacterial species, including a newly discovered species, the study said.
