According to an investigation by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), presence of coronavirus has been found in two bat species in India. The research was published in Indian Journal of Medical Research there is no proof or research to guarantee that these bat coronaviruses can cause disease in people.
Dr Pragya D Yadav, Scientist at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) and the first author of study clarify the statement.
The research says that the swab samples of 25 bats of two species Indian Flying Fox and Rousettus collected from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry had tested positive for the virus through reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing.
“One Health approach with collaborative activities by the animal health and human health sectors in these surveillance activities shall be of use to public health,” the study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research said.
“This would help in the development of diagnostic assays for novel viruses with outbreak potential and be useful in disease interventions. Proactive surveillance remains crucial for identifying the emerging novel viruses with epidemic potential and measures for risk mitigation,” said the study authored by Pragya D Yadav as the first author.