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Heydarifard Z, Chegeni AM, Heydarifard F, Nikmanesh B, Salimi V. An overview of SARS-CoV2 natural infections in companion animals: A systematic review of the current evidence. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2512. [PMID: 38282405 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of natural SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals. The findings show that these infections are relatively rare. Among the examined dogs, only 1.32% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while for cats, the rate was 1.55%. Infections in rabbits and ferrets were even less common, at less than 1%. These results support previous research indicating the infrequency of natural infections in companion animals. The review also includes updated studies that involved various pets, such as cats, dogs, ferrets, and rabbits. The majority of the studies analyzed were primarily concerned with screening pets that visited veterinary clinics, regardless of whether they showed any specific signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Only a limited number of studies investigated infections in animals suspected of being in contact with owners or other animals that had COVID-19 or were exhibiting symptoms. The most common variant identified among the SARS-CoV-2 variants in the reviewed studies was B.1.1.7 (alpha), followed by B.1.617.2 (delta), B.1.526 (Iota), and others. The emergence of these variants raises concerns about their potential for increased transmissibility and virulence, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections in both humans and animals. Furthermore, most of the reviewed studies indicated that infected pets either showed no symptoms or experienced mild symptoms. This aligns with previous reports suggesting that animals infected with SARS-CoV-2 generally have less severe illness compared to humans. However, it is essential to recognize the possibility of severe illness or death in animals, particularly those with underlying health conditions. Continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals is crucial for better understanding the virus's epidemiology in animals and developing effective strategies to protect both animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Heydarifard
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ardalan Maleki Chegeni
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Heydarifard
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Bahram Nikmanesh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Zoonoses Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Salimi
- Zoonoses Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Virology Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Sánchez-Morales L, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM, Domínguez L, Barroso-Arévalo S. A retrospective study of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in dogs and cats in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1264172. [PMID: 37869682 PMCID: PMC10585060 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1264172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic animals including cats and dogs has been described. However, it is important to carry out passive surveillance of these animals to be aware of any changes in the outcomes of the disease in these species that may occur. In this study, we have performed a retrospective study in which we analyzed sera (n = 1,640) from random animals: dogs (n = 1,381) and cats (n = 259) belonging to both homes (n = 1,533) and animal protection centers (n = 107) in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Neutralizing antibodies were evaluated between November 2021 and May 2022 using a surrogate ELISA kit to determine the seroprevalence. Based on the results obtained, a few animals (both cats and dogs) presented neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (2.3%), all of them from private owners. However, the seroprevalence in cats (4.6%) resulted to be almost twice as much as in dogs (1.9%) which reinforces that cats' susceptibility to the infection seems higher than in the case of dogs, maybe due to the lower ACE2 expression of the dogs in the respiratory tract. These findings also confirm that the probability of infection is considerably higher in domestic animals in close contact with infected owners, compared to animals living in animal shelters whose contact with humans is markedly lower.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José M. Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Barroso-Arévalo
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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3
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High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household cats and dogs of Lebanon. Res Vet Sci 2023; 157:13-16. [PMID: 36842247 PMCID: PMC9942449 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been declared in late 2019. It is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Flu-like symptoms and acute respiratory illnesses are the main manifestations of the disease. Recent studies have confirmed the susceptibility of domestic animals to SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in household pets and the importance of pets in the epidemiology of this infection remain unknown. In Lebanon, there is no epidemiological data regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals. Thus, this investigation aimed to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household pets of Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2020 and February 2021. Blood samples from 145 cats and 180 dogs were collected from 12 veterinary clinics located in the North, Mount, and Beirut governorates. A validated ELISA assay was used to detect the anti- SARS-CoV-2 in the sera of the tested animals. An overall seroprevalence of 16.92% (55/325) was reported; 13.79% seroprevalence was found in cats (20/145) and 19.44% (35/180) in dogs. The young age and the cold season were significantly associated with an increased seropositivity rate to SARS-CoV-2 infection (P < 0.01). These results confirm the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in household pets, in various geographical regions in Lebanon. Although, there is a lack of evidence to suggest that naturally infected pets could transmit the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Yet, owners diagnosed with COVID-19 should limit their contact with their animals during the course of the disease to curb the risk of transmission.
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Human ELISA Detects anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Cats: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Virus Spread in Domestic and Stray Cats in Bulgaria. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10010042. [PMID: 36669043 PMCID: PMC9861929 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify whether the human DR-ELISA for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can be applied in cats, and to assess the risk factors that determine the spread of the virus among the cat population in Bulgaria. The study included 92 serum samples collected from 68 domestic and 24 stray cats aged from 3 months to 20 years of age in the period of January-June 2021. The samples originated from three regions in Bulgaria and from three places of inhabitance. DR-ELISA based on peroxidase-labeled SARS-CoV-2 N protein was employed to detect IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies in the samples. Subsequently, the results were compared with a commercially available multi-species ELISA kit. There was high seroprevalence (83.33%) in stray cats and 41.18% in domestic cats, confirmed by the human and veterinary ELISA kit. The positive cases in the regional cities were 42.86%, in small towns 50% and in villages 78.26%. Cats under 7 years had a five times higher risk than those over 7 years (p = 0.001). The risk was seven times higher for stray cats than for domestic cats (p = 0.001). In addition, the results indicate that the risk was the highest for cats in villages (p = 0.006) compared to cats in other places of inhabitance. This study demonstrates that human DR-ELISA may be successfully applied to monitor the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and other susceptible species. Cats might serve as sentinel animals for tracking the virus in nature and in inhabited areas (strays) and to discover asymptomatic cases in humans/owners.
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5
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Bellinati L, Campalto M, Mazzotta E, Ceglie L, Cavicchio L, Mion M, Lucchese L, Salomoni A, Bortolami A, Quaranta E, Magarotto J, Favarato M, Squarzon L, Natale A. One-Year Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Stray Cats and Kennel Dogs from Northeastern Italy. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010110. [PMID: 36677401 PMCID: PMC9866628 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). During the pandemic, several studies have been performed on owned cats and dogs, whereas limited data are available on the exposure to stray animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 of feral cats and kennel dogs in northeastern Italy, through serological and molecular methods. From May 2021 to September 2022, public health veterinary services collected serum, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab samples from 257 free-roaming dogs newly introduced to shelters, and from 389 feral cats examined during the routinely trap-neutered-return programs. The swabs were analyzed for viral RNA through a real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR), and sera were tested for the presence of the specific antibody against SARS-CoV-2 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Serology was positive in nine dogs (9/257) and three cats (3/389), while two asymptomatic cats tested positive to rRT-PCR. One cat turned out to be positive both for serology and molecular analysis. In addition, this study described the case of a possible human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a cat that travelled in close contact to a COVID-19-positive refugee from Ukraine. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can infect, in natural conditions, stray cats and kennel dogs in northeastern Italy, although with a low prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Mery Campalto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Elisa Mazzotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Lara Cavicchio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Monica Mion
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Laura Lucchese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Angela Salomoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alessio Bortolami
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Erika Quaranta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Mosè Favarato
- UOSD Genetica e Citogenetica e Diagnostica Molecolare-Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, 30174 Venice, Italy
| | - Laura Squarzon
- UOSD Genetica e Citogenetica e Diagnostica Molecolare-Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, 30174 Venice, Italy
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
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Spada E, Bruno F, Castelli G, Vitale F, Reale S, Biondi V, Migliazzo A, Perego R, Baggiani L, Proverbio D. Do Blood Phenotypes of Feline AB Blood Group System Affect the SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Serostatus in Cats? Viruses 2022; 14:v14122691. [PMID: 36560695 PMCID: PMC9783645 DOI: 10.3390/v14122691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats are susceptible to coronavirus infections, including infection by human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In human ABO system blood groups, alloantibodies can play a direct role in resistance to infectious diseases. Individuals with the AB blood type were over-represented in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group. Blood type AB individuals lack both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, and therefore lack the protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection given by these antibodies. Starting from this knowledge, this pilot preliminary study evaluated a possible association between feline blood phenotypes A, B, and AB and serostatus for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats. We also investigated selected risk or protective factors associated with seropositivity for this coronavirus. A feline population of 215 cats was analysed for AB group system blood phenotypes and antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N-protein) SARS-CoV-2 antigen using a double antigen ELISA. SARS-CoV-2 seropositive samples were confirmed using a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Origin (stray colony/shelter/owned cat), breed (DSH/non DSH), gender (male/female), reproductive status (neutered/intact), age class (kitten/young adult/mature adult/senior), retroviruses status (seropositive/seronegative), and blood phenotype (A, B, and AB) were evaluated as protective or risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Seropositivity for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein was recorded in eight cats, but only four of these tested positive with sVNT. Of these four SARS-CoV-2 seropositive cats, three were blood phenotype A and one was phenotype AB. Young adult age (1-6 years), FeLV seropositivity and blood type AB were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity according to a univariate analysis, but only blood type AB (p = 0.0344, OR = 15.4, 95%CI: 1.22-194.39) and FeLV seropositivity (p = 0.0444, OR = 13.2, 95%CI: 1.06-163.63) were significant associated risk factors according to a logistic regression. Blood phenotype AB might be associated with seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This could be due, as in people, to the protective effect of naturally occurring alloantibodies to blood type antigens which are lacking in type AB cats. The results of this pilot study should be considered very preliminary, and we suggest the need for further research to assess this potential relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Spada
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Bruno
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Germano Castelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Reale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Migliazzo
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Area Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, UOC Sanità Animale, Igiene Degli Allevamenti e Produzioni Zootecniche, Asl Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Roberta Perego
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Luciana Baggiani
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniela Proverbio
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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7
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Giner J, González A, Tobajas AP, Pérez MD, Lira-Navarrete E, González-Ramírez AM, Macías-León J, Verde M, Yzuel A, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Arias M, Santiago L, Aguiló-Gisbert J, Ruíz H, Lacasta D, Marteles D, Fernández A. A cross-sectional serosurvey of SARS-CoV-2 and co-infections in stray cats from the second wave to the sixth wave of COVID-19 outbreaks in Spain. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:615-629. [PMID: 36229725 PMCID: PMC9560875 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10016-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in humans. Among domestic animals, cats are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than dogs. The detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in seemingly healthy cats and/or infected cats which are in close contact with infected humans has been described. The presence of animals that tested positive by serology or molecular techniques could represent a potential transmission pathway of SARS-CoV-2 that can spill over into urban wildlife. This study analyses the seroprevalence variation of SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats from different waves of outbreaks in a geographical area where previous seroepidemiological information of SARS-CoV-2 was available and investigate if SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were exposed to other co-infections causing an immunosuppressive status and/or a chronic disease that could lead to a SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. For this purpose, a total of 254 stray cats from Zaragoza (Spain) were included. This analysis was carried out by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the receptor binding domain of Spike antigen and confirmed by serum virus neutralization assay. The presence of co-infections including Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, was evaluated using different serological methods. A seropositivity of 1.57% was observed for SARS-CoV-2 including the presence of neutralizing antibodies in three cats. None of the seropositive to SARS-CoV-2 cats were positive to feline coronavirus, however, four SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were also seropositive to other pathogens such as L. infantum, D. immitis and FIV (n = 1), L. infantum and D. immitis (n = 1) and L. infantum alone (n = 1).Considering other pathogens, a seroprevalence of 16.54% was detected for L. infantum, 30.31% for D. immitis, 13.78%, for T. gondii, 83.86% for feline calicivirus, 42.52% for feline herpesvirus type 1, 3.15% for FeLV and 7.87% for FIV. Our findings suggest that the epidemiological role of stray cats in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is scarce, and there is no increase in seropositivity during the different waves of COVID-19 outbreaks in this group of animals. Further epidemiological surveillances are necessary to determine the risk that other animals might possess even though stray cats do not seem to play a role in transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Mariví Martínez
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana González
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Erandi Lira-Navarrete
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Manuel González-Ramírez
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Macías-León
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), Zaragoza, Spain.,Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzada (LMA), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain.,, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maykel Arias
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Aguiló-Gisbert
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación, Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, Valencia, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
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8
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Fiorito F, Iovane V, Pagnini U, Cerracchio C, Brandi S, Levante M, Marati L, Ferrara G, Tammaro V, De Carlo E, Iovane G, Fusco G. First Description of Serological Evidence for SARS-CoV-2 in Lactating Cows. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111459. [PMID: 35681922 PMCID: PMC9179237 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent of the disease that has caused a global pandemic, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Coronaviruses (CoVs) may emerge from wildlife hosts and infect humans and animals. Up to now, natural infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in several animals, but it has not been found in farm animals, such as buffaloes, goats, sheep, horses, rabbits, hens, pigs, or cows, despite contact with their SARS-CoV-2-positive human breeders. Furthermore, a low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in experimentally infected cattle with SARS-CoV-2. The unknown zoonotic potential of this virus is a cause of concern for pet owners and farmers. The limited data on cattle suggest that cattle show low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and probably do not function as reservoirs. However, in areas with large cattle populations and a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, close contact between livestock and farmworkers may cause reverse zoonotic infections in cattle, as has already been described for highly sensitive animal species, such as minks, cats, and dogs. Thus, studying the zoonotic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 could help in the development of a strategy for virus detection and the control of viral dissemination. Abstract Following the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak in Ariano Irpino, Campania region (Italy), we tested lactating cows for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on a cattle farm at which, prior to the investigation, 13 of the 20 farmworkers showed COVID-19-like symptoms, and one of them died. Twenty-four lactating cows were sampled to detect SARS-CoV-2. All nasal and rectal swabs and milk samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 24 collected serum samples, 11 showed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, 14 showed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and 13 developed neutralising antibodies for SARS-COV-2; all samples were negative for Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV), another betacoronavirus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in lactating cows. We hypothesise that this may be a case of reverse zoonosis. However, the role of cattle in SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission seems to be negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Fiorito
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (U.P.); (C.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Valentina Iovane
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ugo Pagnini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (U.P.); (C.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Claudia Cerracchio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (U.P.); (C.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Sergio Brandi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (M.L.); (L.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Martina Levante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (M.L.); (L.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Luisa Marati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (M.L.); (L.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Gianmarco Ferrara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (U.P.); (C.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Virginio Tammaro
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale Avellino (Ariano Irpino), 83031 Avellino, Italy;
| | - Esterina De Carlo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (M.L.); (L.M.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (E.D.C.); (G.I.); Tel.: +39-0812536178 (E.D.C. & G.I.)
| | - Giuseppe Iovane
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (U.P.); (C.C.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (E.D.C.); (G.I.); Tel.: +39-0812536178 (E.D.C. & G.I.)
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (M.L.); (L.M.); (G.F.)
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9
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Doliff R, Martens P. Cats and SARS-CoV-2: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1413. [PMID: 35681877 PMCID: PMC9179433 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, various animal species were found to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The close contact that exists between humans and cats warrants special attention to the role of this species. Therefore, a scoping review was performed to obtain a comprehensive overview of the existing literature, and to map key concepts, types of research, and possible gaps in the research. A systematic search of the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus and the preprint servers medRxiv and bioRxiv was performed. After a two-step screening process, 27 peer-reviewed articles, 8 scientific communication items, and 2 unpublished pre-prints were included. The main themes discussed were susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, induced immunity, prevalence of infection, manifestation of infection, interspecies transmission between humans and cats, and lastly, intraspecies transmission between cats. The main gaps in the research identified were a lack of large-scale studies, underrepresentation of stray, feral, and shelter cat populations, lack of investigation into cat-to-cat transmissions under non-experimental conditions, and the relation of cats to other animal species regarding SARS-CoV-2. Overall, cats seemingly play a limited role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. While cats are susceptible to the virus and reverse zoonotic transmission from humans to cats happens regularly, there is currently no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation among cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pim Martens
- University College Venlo, Maastricht University, Nassaustraat 36, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands;
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10
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Ozer K, Yilmaz A, Carossino M, Yuzbasioglu Ozturk G, Erdogan Bamac O, Tali HE, Mahzunlar E, Cizmecigil UY, Aydin O, Tali HB, Yilmaz SG, Mutlu Z, Kekec AI, Turan N, Gurel A, Balasuriya U, Iqbal M, Richt JA, Yilmaz H. Clinical, virological, imaging and pathological findings in a SARS CoV-2 antibody positive cat. J Vet Sci 2022; 23:e52. [PMID: 35920120 PMCID: PMC9346522 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.21310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reports a presumptive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in a cat. A cat with respiratory disease living with three individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 showed bilateral ground-glass opacities in the lung on X-ray and computed tomography. The clinical swabs were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, but the serum was positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Interstitial pneumonia and prominent type 2 pneumocyte hyperplasia were noted on histopathology. Respiratory tissues were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen, but the cat was positive for feline parvovirus DNA. In conclusion, the respiratory disease and associated pathology in this cat could have been due to exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kursat Ozer
- Zeytinburnu Veterinary Clinic, Merv Caddesi, 34025 Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysun Yilmaz
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Gulay Yuzbasioglu Ozturk
- Department of Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Buyukcekmece, 34500 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Erdogan Bamac
- Department of Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Buyukcekmece, 34500 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan E. Tali
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Egemen Mahzunlar
- Zeytinburnu Veterinary Clinic, Merv Caddesi, 34025 Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetric, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Utku Y. Cizmecigil
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Aydin
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hamid B. Tali
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Semaha G. Yilmaz
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zihni Mutlu
- Department of Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Ilgın Kekec
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Buyukcekmece, 34500 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nuri Turan
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aydin Gurel
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Udeni Balasuriya
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Munir Iqbal
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Woking, GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Huseyin Yilmaz
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34500 Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey.
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11
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Brown K, Blake RS, Dennany L. Electrochemiluminescence within Veterinary Science: A Review. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 146:108156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Jairak W, Charoenkul K, Chamsai E, Udom K, Chaiyawong S, Hangsawek A, Waenkaew S, Mungaomklang A, Tangwangvivat R, Amonsin A. Survey of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats in high-risk areas during the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak, Thailand. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:737-745. [PMID: 34981900 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic dogs and cats was conducted in high-risk areas, five subdistricts of Samut Sakhon Province, the epicenter of the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand in February 2021. A total of 523 swab samples (nasal, oral, and rectal swabs) and 159 serum samples from dogs (n = 83) and cats (n = 93) were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies. All swab samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by real-time RT-PCR with three panels of specific primers and probes. Although all dogs and cats were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, 3.14% (5/159) had anti-N-IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by indirect multispecies ELISA. Our results demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 exposure in domestic animals living in high-risk areas during the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand. Thus, the use of one health approach for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals in high-risk areas of COVID-19 outbreaks should be routinely conducted and will provide benefits to risk communications in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleemas Jairak
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Research Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Bureau of Research and Conservation, Zoological Park Organization, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kamonpan Charoenkul
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Research Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ekkapat Chamsai
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Research Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kitikhun Udom
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Research Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supassama Chaiyawong
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Research Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Anek Mungaomklang
- Office of Disease Prevention and Control, Region 4, Saraburi, Thailand.,Department of Disease Control, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Ratanaporn Tangwangvivat
- Coordinating Unit for One Health, Division of Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Alongkorn Amonsin
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Research Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Miró G, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Checa R, Diezma-Díaz C, Montoya A, García-Cantalejo J, Botías P, Arroyo J, Ortega-Mora LM. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in One Cat and Three Dogs Living in COVID-19-Positive Households in Madrid, Spain. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:779341. [PMID: 34901253 PMCID: PMC8660077 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.779341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in one cat and three dogs from households with confirmed human cases of COVID-19 living in the Madrid Community (Spain) at the time of expansion (December 2020 through June 2021) of the alpha variant (lineage B.1.1.7). A thorough physical exam and nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swabs were collected for real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) SARS-CoV-2 testing on day 0 and in successive samplings on days 7, 14, 21, and 47 during monitoring. Blood was also drawn to determine complete blood counts, biochemical profiles, and serology of the IgG response against SARS-CoV-2. On day 0, the cat case 1 presented with dyspnea and fever associated with a mild bronchoalveolar pattern. The dog cases 2, 3, and 4 were healthy, but case 2 presented with coughing, dyspnea, and weakness, and case 4 exhibited coughing and bilateral nasal discharge 3 and 6 days before the clinical exam. Case 3 (from the same household as case 2) remained asymptomatic. SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-qPCR showed that the cat case 1 and the dog case 2 exhibited the lowest cycle threshold (Ct) (Ct < 30) when they presented clinical signs. Viral detection failed in successive samplings. Serological analyses revealed a positive IgG response in cat case 1 and dog cases 3 and 4 shortly after or simultaneously to virus shedding. Dog case 2 was seronegative, but seroconverted 21 days after SARS-CoV-2 detection. SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing was attempted, and genomes were classified as belonging to the B.1.1.7 lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Pet Parasite Lab, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Guadalupe Miró
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- Saluvet-Innova S.L., Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio Checa
- Pet Parasite Lab, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- Saluvet-Innova S.L., Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Pet Parasite Lab, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús García-Cantalejo
- Unidad de Genómica, Centro de Asistencia a la Investigación-Técnicas Biológicas, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Botías
- Unidad de Genómica, Centro de Asistencia a la Investigación-Técnicas Biológicas, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Arroyo
- Unidad de Genómica, Centro de Asistencia a la Investigación-Técnicas Biológicas, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora
- Saluvet, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora
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14
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Yilmaz A, Kayar A, Turan N, Iskefli O, Bayrakal A, Roman-Sosa G, Or E, Tali HE, Kocazeybek B, Karaali R, Bold D, Sadeyen JR, Lukosaityte D, Chang P, Iqbal M, Richt JA, Yilmaz H. Presence of Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic Cats in Istanbul, Turkey, Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:707368. [PMID: 34712718 PMCID: PMC8545985 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.707368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that domestic cats can be naturally and experimentally infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study was performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies within the domestic cat population in Istanbul, Turkey, before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, from 155 cat sera analyzed, 26.45% (41/155) tested positive in the spike protein-ELISA (S-ELISA), 28.38% (44/155) in the receptor-binding domain-ELISA (RBD-ELISA), and 21.9% (34/155) in both, the S- and RBD-ELISAs. Twenty-seven of those were also positive for the presence of antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV). Among the 34 SARS-CoV-2-positive sera, three of those were positive on serum neutralization assay. Six of the 30 cats before COVID-19 and 28 of the 125 cats during COVID-19 were found to be seropositive. About 20% of ELISA-positive cats exhibited mainly respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal signs and skin lesions. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, lymphocyte, and platelet numbers were low in about 30% of ELISA-positive cats. The number of neutrophils and monocytes were above normal values in about 20% of ELISA-positive cats. The liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase levels were high in 23.5% ELISA-positive cats. In conclusion, this is the first report describing antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 antigens (S and RBD) in cats in Istanbul, Turkey, indicating the risk for domestic cats to contract SARS-CoV-2 from owners and/or household members with COVID-19. This study and others show that COVID-19-positive pet owners should limit their contact with companion animals and that pets with respiratory signs should be monitored for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysun Yilmaz
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kayar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nuri Turan
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Iskefli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Bayrakal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gleyder Roman-Sosa
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Erman Or
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Emre Tali
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bekir Kocazeybek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ridvan Karaali
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dashzeveg Bold
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Jean-Remy Sadeyen
- Avian Influenza Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pengxiang Chang
- Avian Influenza Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Munir Iqbal
- Avian Influenza Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Huseyin Yilmaz
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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