Specialists from Shandong First Medical University and the Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences have found a bat virus in China that is 94.5% identical to the SARS-CoV-2.

According to The Hindu Business Line, 411 samples were collected from 23 species of bats for the study. As it turned out, the genetic makeup of the RpYN06 virus is similar to SARS-CoV-2.

As scientists noted, there may be at least 4 viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2. Of these four, RpYN06 appears to have almost the same genetic makeup as the virus that causes COVID-19.

However, RpYN06 does not have the same spike protein as SARS-CoV-2. This protein is used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to penetrate and multiply in host cells.

According to experts, the discoveries made should be a serious reason to strengthen surveillance of potentially dangerous viruses.