Genomic characterizations of bat coronaviruses (1A, 1B and HKU8) and evidence for co-infections in Miniopterus bats

Abstract

We previously reported the detection of bat coronaviruses (bat CoVs 1A, 1B. HKU7. HKU8 and bat-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus) in Miniopterus,spp. that cohabit a cave in Hong Kong. Here, we report the full genomic s equences of bat CoVs 1A, 1B and HKU8. Bat CoVs 1A and 1B, which are commonly found in the Miniopterus, are phylogenetically closely related. Using species-specific RT-PCR assays, bat CoVs 1A and 1B were confirmed to have distinct host specificities to Miniopterus magnater and Miniopterus pusillus, respectively. Interestingly, co-infections of bat CoVs 1B and HKU8 in M. pusillus are detected in seven of 38 virus-positive specimens collected from 2004 to 2006. These findings highlight that co-infections of some coronaviruses might be common events in nature. The biological basis for the host restriction of bat coronaviruses, however, is yet to be determined. © 2008 SGM.