Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ ZENODOarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

The GenBank Sequence for Bat Virus BtSy2 Cannot Be Assembled from the Purported Bat Fecal Sample SRA File

Authors: Quay, Steven Carl;

The GenBank Sequence for Bat Virus BtSy2 Cannot Be Assembled from the Purported Bat Fecal Sample SRA File

Abstract

The apparent emergence of SARS-like coronavirus BtSY2 has garnered significant global attention due to its close genetic relationship with SARSCoV-2 and its purported ability to bind human ACE2 receptors. This virus was identified through meta-transcriptomic sequencing of bat rectal swabs in Yunnan, China, and presented as a high-risk candidate for zoonotic spillover. Subsequent publications and media coverage have amplified its significance, raising calls for pandemic preparedness. Preliminary reanalysis of the publicly available sequencing data from the bat specimen reportedly harboring SARS-like coronavirus BtSY2 reveals a striking absence of supporting raw reads for large regions of the published genome. Most notably, the Spike protein coding region and other key genomic segments show little to no coverage in the SRA dataset, despite claims of a complete 29.8 kb genome assembly. Although PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to fill in gaps, the extent of missing data suggests that substantial portions of the genome may not have originated from the specimen cited. While alternative explanations such as low viral load or metagenomic artifacts are possible, the pervasive gaps raise serious concerns about the integrity of the assembly. These findings, though preliminary, are data-driven and robust enough to warrant further scrutiny. I strongly encourage the original authors or independent investigators to re-examine the BtSY2 genome and its origins using transparent, reproducible methods.

Keywords

Coronavirus, Genome, Viral

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green
Related to Research communities