A strain of coronavirus that causes acute diarrhea in piglets can potentially spread in humans, according to a new study that says the virus could “negatively impact the global economy and human health.”

The study published in the journal PNAS, says that the coronavirus strain, known as swine acute diarrhoea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), emerged from bats and has infected herds of pigs throughout China since it was first discovered in 2016.

The lab tests found that the virus strain can be a potential threat to humans as it efficiently replicates in human liver and gut cells, as well as airway cells. 

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“Efficient growth in primary human lung and intestinal cells implicate SADS-CoV as a potential higher-risk emerging coronavirus pathogen that could negatively impact the global economy and human health,” the researchers wrote in the study.

Notably, the virus causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting and has been especially deadly to young piglets. 

“While many investigators focus on the emergent potential of the beta coronaviruses like SARS and MERS, actually the alpha coronaviruses may prove equally prominent — if not greater — concerns to human health, given their potential to rapidly jump between species,” said study co-author Ralph Baric, a professor of epidemiology at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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While studies have suggested that cross-protective immunity often prevents people from contracting many coronaviruses found in animals, the researchers believe humans have not yet developed such a defence to SADS-CoV.

“We recommend that both swine workers and the swine population be continually monitored for indications of SADS-CoV infections to prevent outbreaks and massive economic losses,” said Caitlin Edwards, another co-author of the study.

While surveillance and early separation of infected piglets provide an opportunity to mitigate larger outbreaks and the potential for spillover into humans, Baric said vaccines may be key for limiting the global spread and human emergence events in the future.