China experimenting with lethal virus, says report. This one has 100% kill rate among mice
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
Lethal Coronavirus Strain
Chinese scientists, affiliated with the military, have reportedly engineered a mutant coronavirus strain with a 100% lethal rate in mice. The virus, cloned from a pangolin-related coronavirus known as GX_P2V, was introduced to mice, that were modified to represent human protein to study the potential impact of virus on humans.
Swift and Distinct Mortality in Humanized Mice:
According to Daily Mail, in an experiment conducted by the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, every mouse infected with the mutated virus succumbed to the infection within a span of seven to eight days. The study found distinctive symptoms such as white eyes, rapid weight loss, and fatigue.
Unique Spread Pattern and High Viral Load
Researchers observed an unusual pattern of viral spread in the mice, with high levels of the virus in their brains and eyes. The virus, despite its relation to COVID-19, demonstrated a distinct method of multiplication and dissemination throughout the body.
Concerns Raised Over Spillover Risk
A yet-to-be-published scientific paper warns of a potential spillover risk of the GX_P2V virus into humans. Experts express concern over the rapid lethality observed in the mice and stress the importance of understanding the virus's unique characteristics.
Criticism of Scientific Validity and Biosafety Measures
Critics, including Professor Francois Balloux and Professor Richard Ebright, question the scientific validity of the study, labeling it as scientifically pointless. Additionally, concerns are raised about the lack of information regarding biosafety levels and precautions taken during the research, drawing parallels to the Wuhan research that led to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evolution of the GX_P2V Virus
The GX_P2V virus was initially discovered in 2017 in pangolins in Malaysia, known as potential intermediate hosts for coronaviruses. Cloned and stored in a Beijing lab, the virus continued to evolve over time. The study suggests a possible mutation during storage, contributing to increased lethality.
Similarities and Differences with COVID-19
While the study notes similarities between GX_P2V and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, it emphasises the unique characteristics of the newly created strain. The research raises questions about the potential implications of such experiments and highlights the need for stringent biosafety measures in handling potentially pandemic pathogens.
