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Mūrniece G, Šteingolde Ž, Cvetkova S, Valciņa O, Zrelovs Ņ, Brīvība M, Kloviņš J, Birzniece L, Megnis K, Fridmanis D, Bērziņš A, Kovaļčuka L, Kovaļenko K. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats (Felis catus) during COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1338. [PMID: 38140758 PMCID: PMC10951624 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is of zoonotic origin and has shown reverse zoonotic transmissibility. OBJECTIVES The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the serological and molecular prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the domestic cat (Felis catus) population from Latvia in natural conditions and subsequently perform viral genome analysis. METHODS Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs and blood samples were collected from 273 domestic cats during the second wave of COVID-19 infection in Latvia. Molecular prevalence was determined by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum samples were analysed via double antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting the antibody against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. Positive swab samples were analysed using whole viral genome sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome sequencing data of the samples was performed. RESULTS The overall SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity and seroprevalence was 1.1% (3/273) and 2.6% (7/273), respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from three RT-PCR positive cats were assigned to the three common lineages (PANGOLIN lineage S.1.; B.1.177.60. and B.1.1.7.) circulating in Latvia during the particular period of time. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that feline infection with SARS-CoV-2 occurred during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia, yet the overall prevalence was low. In addition, it seems like no special 'cat' pre-adaptations were necessary for successful infection of cats by the common lineages of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gundega Mūrniece
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
| | - Žanete Šteingolde
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Svetlana Cvetkova
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Olga Valciņa
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | | | - Monta Brīvība
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study CentreRigaLatvia
| | - Jānis Kloviņš
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study CentreRigaLatvia
| | | | | | | | - Aivars Bērziņš
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Līga Kovaļčuka
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
| | - Kaspars Kovaļenko
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
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2
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Fang R, Yang X, Guo Y, Peng B, Dong R, Li S, Xu S. SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals: Patterns, transmission routes, and drivers. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2024; 3:45-54. [PMID: 38169914 PMCID: PMC10758742 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is more widespread in animals than previously thought, and it may be able to infect a wider range of domestic and wild species. To effectively control the spread of the virus and protect animal health, it is crucial to understand the cross-species transmission mechanisms and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2. This article collects published literature on SARS-CoV-2 in animals and examines the distribution, transmission routes, biophysical, and anthropogenic drivers of infected animals. The reported cases of infection in animals are mainly concentrated in South America, North America, and Europe, and species affected include lions, white-tailed deer, pangolins, minks, and cats. Biophysical factors influencing infection of animals with SARS-CoV-2 include environmental determinants, high-risk landscapes, air quality, and susceptibility of different animal species, while anthropogenic factors comprise human behavior, intensive livestock farming, animal markets, and land management. Due to current research gaps and surveillance capacity shortcomings, future mitigation strategies need to be designed from a One Health perspective, with research focused on key regions with significant data gaps in Asia and Africa to understand the drivers, pathways, and spatiotemporal dynamics of interspecies transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruying Fang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yiyang Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Bingjie Peng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ruixuan Dong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Sen Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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3
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Choi A, Stout AE, Rollins A, Wang K, Guo Q, Javier AJ, Kennedy M, Wagner B, Whittaker GR. SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey of healthy, privately owned cats presenting to a New York City animal hospital in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580068. [PMID: 38405835 PMCID: PMC10888843 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Both domestic and non-domestic cats are now established to be susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While serious disease in cats may occur in some instances, the majority of infections appear to be subclinical. Differing prevalence data for SARS-CoV-2 infection of cats have been reported, and are highly context-dependent. Here, we report a retrospective serological survey of cats presented to an animal practice in New York City, located in close proximity to a large medical center that treated the first wave of COVID-19 patients in the US in the Spring of 2020. We sampled 79, mostly indoor, cats between June 2020 to May 2021, the early part of which time the community was under a strict public health "lock-down". Using a highly sensitive and specific fluorescent bead-based multiplex assay, we found an overall prevalence of 13/79 (16%) serologically-positive animals for the study period; however, cats sampled in the Fall of 2020 had a confirmed positive prevalence of 44%. For SARS-CoV-2 seropositive cats, we performed viral neutralization test with live SARS-CoV-2 to additionally confirm presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. Of the thirteen seropositive cats, 7/13 (54%) were also positive by virus neutralization, and 2 of seropositive cats had previously documented respiratory signs, with high neutralization titers of 1:1024 and 1:4096; overall however, there was no statistically significant association of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity with respiratory signs, or with breed, sex or age of the animals. Follow up sampling of cats, while limited in scope, showed that positive serological titers were maintained over time. In comparison, we found an overall confirmed positive prevalence of 51% for feline coronavirus (FCoV), an endemic virus of cats, with 30% confirmed negative for FCoV. We demonstrate the impact of SARS-CoV in a defined feline population during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection of humans, and suggest that human-cat transmission was substantial in our study group. Our data provide a new context for SARS-CoV-2 transmission events across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Choi
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, New York NY
| | | | | | - Kally Wang
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, New York NY
- Public Health Program, New York NY
| | - Qinghua Guo
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, New York NY
- Public Health Program, New York NY
| | | | - Monica Kennedy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca NY and Sutton Animal Hospital, New York NY
| | | | - Gary R. Whittaker
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, New York NY
- Public & Ecosystem Health, New York NY
- Public Health Program, New York NY
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4
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Miller MR, Braun E, Ip HS, Tyson GH. Domestic and wild animal samples and diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-11. [PMID: 37779468 PMCID: PMC10614713 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2263864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
From the first cases in 2019, COVID-19 infections caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have resulted in over 6 million human deaths in a worldwide pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is commonly spread from human to human through close contact and is capable of infecting both humans and animals. Worldwide, there have been over 675 animal outbreaks reported that resulted in over 2000 animal infections including domestic and wild animals. As the role of animal infections in the transmission, pathogenesis, and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is still unfolding, accurate and reliable animal diagnostic tests are critical to aid in managing both human and animal health. This review highlights key animal samples and the three main diagnostic approaches used for animal testing: PCR, serology, and Next Generation Sequencing. Diagnostic results help inform (often difficult) clinical decision-making, but also possible ways to mitigate spread among pets, food supplies, or wildlife. A One Health approach has been key to monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, as consistent human-animal interactions can lead to novel variants. Having multiple animal diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 available is critical to ensure human, animal, and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R. Miller
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Elias Braun
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of PA, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hon S. Ip
- National Wildlife Health Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gregory H. Tyson
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, USA
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5
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Mabry ME, Fanelli A, Mavian C, Lorusso A, Manes C, Soltis PS, Capua I. The panzootic potential of SARS-CoV-2. Bioscience 2023; 73:814-829. [PMID: 38125826 PMCID: PMC10728779 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Each year, SARS-CoV-2 is infecting an increasingly unprecedented number of species. In the present article, we combine mammalian phylogeny with the genetic characteristics of isolates found in mammals to elaborate on the host-range potential of SARS-CoV-2. Infections in nonhuman mammals mirror those of contemporary viral strains circulating in humans, although, in certain species, extensive viral circulation has led to unique genetic signatures. As in other recent studies, we found that the conservation of the ACE2 receptor cannot be considered the sole major determinant of susceptibility. However, we are able to identify major clades and families as candidates for increased surveillance. On the basis of our findings, we argue that the use of the term panzootic could be a more appropriate term than pandemic to describe the ongoing scenario. This term better captures the magnitude of the SARS-CoV-2 host range and would hopefully inspire inclusive policy actions, including systematic screenings, that could better support the management of this worldwide event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie E Mabry
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Mavian
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and with the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Alessio Lorusso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Costanza Manes
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and with the One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Pamela S Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Ilaria Capua
- One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
- School of International Advanced Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bologna, Italy
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Nooruzzaman M, Diel DG. Infection Dynamics, Pathogenesis, and Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Naturally Susceptible Animal Species. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1195-1201. [PMID: 37782853 PMCID: PMC10558081 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a broad host range. Domestic cats and white-tailed deer (WTD) are particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 with multiple variant strains being associated with infections in these species. The virus replicates in the upper respiratory tract and in associated lymphoid tissues, and it is shed through oral and nasal secretions, which leads to efficient transmission of the virus to contact animals. Robust cell-mediated and humoral immune responses are induced upon infection in domestic cats, which curb the progression of clinical disease and are associated with control of infection. In WTD, high levels of neutralizing Abs are detected early upon infection. In this review, the current understanding of the infection dynamics, pathogenesis, and immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals, with special focus on naturally susceptible felids and WTD, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nooruzzaman
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
| | - Diego G. Diel
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
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Saneei D, Jamshidi S, Ghalyanchi Langeroudi A, Akbarein H, Nadji SA, Shoarzargari L, Salehi-Vaziri M, Moazezi Ghavihelm A, Hojabr Rajeoni A, Shahbazi V. Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats in close contact with positively-infected owners in Tehran, Iran in 2021. JFMS Open Rep 2023; 9:20551169231172620. [PMID: 37575355 PMCID: PMC10422899 DOI: 10.1177/20551169231172620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives In 2019, COVID-19 emerged in China and has since spread worldwide. Owing to the virus's ability to adhere to specific receptors, cats are susceptible to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The popularity of pet cats in Iran has sparked fears of human-cat-human transmission of the virus. This study aimed to identify positive cases in cats owned by people infected with SARS-CoV-2, to determine if they remained positive for >3 weeks and to examine the virus genome isolated from a number of cats and one of their owners. Methods A total of 30 cats were sampled approximately 3 days after their owners tested positive (day 1), and 3 weeks later, in strict accordance with health regulations. Rectal and oropharyngeal samples were collected. All samples were subjected to a qualitative PCR and reverse transcription PCR. The S-gene region was partially sequenced in positive samples and the results were used to create a phylogenetic tree. Results SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 7/30 (23.3%) cats examined. In the third week, every cat tested negative. The sequence data of positive cats and one of their owners revealed that the retrieved RNAs belonged to the alpha variation. The genetic distance between the samples and the reference sequence (20I/B.1.1.7: OM003849, MZ344997) was minimal, with a 99% similarity. Positive samples of cats had four mutations in gene S. Amino acid substitutions in the spike glycoprotein at positions N501Y, A570D, D614G and P681H were recorded in the isolates compared with 780 other sequences of Iranian strains. Conclusions and relevance This study confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2-infected cats living in close contact with infected owners. Despite cats' susceptibility to COVID-19, the risk of severe infection in these animals is low, as evidenced by the lack of clinical signs in positive cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorsa Saneei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Jamshidi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Ghalyanchi Langeroudi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hesamedin Akbarein
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Nadji
- Virology Research Center, National Institutes of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laleh Shoarzargari
- Virology Research Center, National Institutes of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri
- Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- COVID-19 National Reference Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Moazezi Ghavihelm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hojabr Rajeoni
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Shahbazi
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Kuhlmeier E, Chan T, Meli ML, Willi B, Wolfensberger A, Reitt K, Hüttl J, Jones S, Tyson G, Hosie MJ, Zablotski Y, Hofmann-Lehmann R. A Risk Factor Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Animals in COVID-19-Affected Households. Viruses 2023; 15:731. [PMID: 36992440 PMCID: PMC10051903 DOI: 10.3390/v15030731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals that have close contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive humans ("COVID-19 households") has been demonstrated in several countries. This prospective study aimed to determine the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in animals from Swiss COVID-19 households and to assess the potential risk factors for infection. The study included 226 companion animals (172 cats, 76.1%; 49 dogs, 21.7%; and 5 other animals, 2.2%) from 122 COVID-19 households with 336 human household members (including 230 SARS-CoV-2-positive people). The animals were tested for viral RNA using an RT-qPCR and/or serologically for antibodies and neutralizing activity. Additionally, surface samples from animal fur and beds underwent an RT-qPCR. A questionnaire about hygiene, animal hygiene, and contact intensity was completed by the household members. A total of 49 of the 226 animals (21.7%) from 31 of the 122 households (25.4%) tested positive/questionably positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 37 of the 172 cats (21.5%) and 12 of the 49 dogs (24.5%). The surface samples tested positive significantly more often in households with SARS-CoV-2-positive animals than in households with SARS-CoV-2-negative animals (p = 0.011). Significantly more animals tested positive in the multivariable analysis for households with minors. For cats, a shorter length of outdoor access and a higher frequency of removing droppings from litterboxes were factors that were significantly associated with higher infection rates. The study emphasizes that the behavior of owners and the living conditions of animals can influence the likelihood of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the infection transmission and dynamics in animals, as well as to identify the possible risk factors for animals in infected households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Kuhlmeier
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Tatjana Chan
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Aline Wolfensberger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Katja Reitt
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (K.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Julia Hüttl
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (K.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Sarah Jones
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (S.J.); (G.T.)
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Grace Tyson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (S.J.); (G.T.)
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
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Santaniello A, Perruolo G, Cristiano S, Agognon AL, Cabaro S, Amato A, Dipineto L, Borrelli L, Formisano P, Fioretti A, Oriente F. SARS-CoV-2 Affects Both Humans and Animals: What Is the Potential Transmission Risk? A Literature Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020514. [PMID: 36838479 PMCID: PMC9959838 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organization Department declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic, as a consequence of its rapid spread on all continents. The COVID-19 pandemic has been not only a health emergency but also a serious general problem as fear of contagion and severe restrictions put economic and social activity on hold in many countries. Considering the close link between human and animal health, COVID-19 might infect wild and companion animals, and spawn dangerous viral mutants that could jump back and pose an ulterior threat to us. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the pandemic, with a particular focus on the clinical manifestations in humans and animals, the different diagnosis methods, the potential transmission risks, and their potential direct impact on the human-animal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Santaniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-081-253-6134 (A.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Perruolo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Cristiano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-081-253-6134 (A.S.)
| | - Ayewa Lawoe Agognon
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Cabaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Amato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Oriente
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
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10
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Kuhlmeier E, Chan T, Agüí CV, Willi B, Wolfensberger A, Beisel C, Topolsky I, Beerenwinkel N, Stadler T, Jones S, Tyson G, Hosie MJ, Reitt K, Hüttl J, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Detection and Molecular Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant and the Specific Immune Response in Companion Animals in Switzerland. Viruses 2023; 15:245. [PMID: 36680285 PMCID: PMC9864232 DOI: 10.3390/v15010245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In human beings, there are five reported variants of concern of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, in contrast to human beings, descriptions of infections of animals with specific variants are still rare. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals in close contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive owners ("COVID-19 households") with a focus on the Delta variant. Samples, obtained from companion animals and their owners were analyzed using a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Animals were also tested for antibodies and neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2. Eleven cats and three dogs in nine COVID-19-positive households were RT-qPCR and/or serologically positive for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. For seven animals, the genetic sequence could be determined. The animals were infected by one of the pangolin lineages B.1.617.2, AY.4, AY.43 and AY.129 and between zero and three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected between the viral genomes of animals and their owners, indicating within-household transmission between animal and owner and in multi-pet households also between the animals. NGS data identified SNPs that occur at a higher frequency in the viral sequences of companion animals than in viral sequences of humans, as well as SNPs, which were exclusively found in the animals investigated in the current study and not in their owners. In conclusion, our study is the first to describe the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant transmission to animals in Switzerland and provides the first-ever description of Delta-variant pangolin lineages AY.129 and AY.4 in animals. Our results reinforce the need of a One Health approach in the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Kuhlmeier
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tatjana Chan
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Valenzuela Agüí
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aline Wolfensberger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Topolsky
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Stadler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Sarah Jones
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Grace Tyson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Katja Reitt
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Julia Hüttl
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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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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12
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Pappas G, Vokou D, Sainis I, Halley JM. SARS-CoV-2 as a Zooanthroponotic Infection: Spillbacks, Secondary Spillovers, and Their Importance. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2166. [PMID: 36363758 PMCID: PMC9696655 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112166] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the midst of a persistent pandemic of a probable zoonotic origin, one needs to constantly evaluate the interplay of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2) with animal populations. Animals can get infected from humans, and certain species, including mink and white-tailed deer, exhibit considerable animal-to-animal transmission resulting in potential endemicity, mutation pressure, and possible secondary spillover to humans. We attempt a comprehensive review of the available data on animal species infected by SARS-CoV-2, as presented in the scientific literature and official reports of relevant organizations. We further evaluate the lessons humans should learn from mink outbreaks, white-tailed deer endemicity, zoo outbreaks, the threat for certain species conservation, the possible implication of rodents in the evolution of novel variants such as Omicron, and the potential role of pets as animal reservoirs of the virus. Finally, we outline the need for a broader approach to the pandemic and epidemics, in general, incorporating the principles of One Health and Planetary Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pappas
- Institute of Continuing Medical Education of Ioannina, 45333 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Despoina Vokou
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sainis
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - John M. Halley
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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13
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Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Client-Owned Cats from Portugal. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070363. [PMID: 35878380 PMCID: PMC9315516 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The close contact between humans and domestic cats raises concerns about the potential risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Thus, this study aims to investigate anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in client-owned cats from Portugal and evaluate the infection risk of cats that maintain contact with human COVID-19 cases. A total of 176 cats, belonging to 94 households, were sampled. Cat owners answered an online questionnaire, and cats were screened for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using a commercial ELISA. Twenty (21.3%) households reported at least one confirmed human COVID-19 case. Forty cats (22.7%) belonged to a COVID-19-positive and 136 (77.3%) to a COVID-19-negative household. The seroprevalences of cats from COVID-19-positive and -negative households were 5.0% (2/40) and 0.7% (1/136). The two SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats from COVID-19-positive households had an indoor lifestyle, and their owners stated that they maintained a close and frequent contact with them, even after being diagnosed with COVID-19, pointing towards human-to-cat transmission. The SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cat from the COVID-19-negative household had a mixed indoor/outdoor lifestyle and chronic diseases. Owners of the three SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats did not notice clinical signs or behavior changes. This study highlights the low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from COVID-19-positive human household members to domestic cats, even in a context of close and frequent human–animal contact.
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14
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Murphy H, Sanchez S, Ahmed S, Rhaman MM, Di D, Dileepan M, Heinrich D, Liang Y, Ly H. SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals: Do levels of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in pets correlate with those of pet's owners and with protection against subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection? Virulence 2022; 13:1216-1220. [PMID: 35799426 PMCID: PMC9345533 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2098922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Da Di
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences
| | | | - Daniel Heinrich
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
| | | | - Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences
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15
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Allendorf V, Denzin N, Conraths FJ, Boden LA, Elvinger F, Magouras I, Stegeman A, Wood JL, Urueña AC, Grace KE, Stärk KD. Does having a cat in your house increase your risk of catching COVID-19? One Health 2022; 14:100381. [PMID: 35356102 PMCID: PMC8950096 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the zoonotic origin of SARS-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the potential for its transmission from humans back to animals and the possibility that it might establish ongoing infection pathways in other animal species has been discussed. Cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and were shown experimentally to transmit the virus to other cats. Infection of cats has been widely reported. Domestic cats in COVID-19-positive households could therefore be a part of a human to animal to human transmission pathway. Here, we report the results of a qualitative risk assessment focusing on the potential of cat to human transmission in such settings. The assessment was based on evidence available by October 2021. After the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 to a household by a human, cats may become infected and infected cats may pose an additional infection risk for other members of the household. In order to assess this additional risk qualitatively, expert opinion was elicited within the framework of a modified Delphi procedure. The conclusion was that the additional risk of infection of an additional person in a household associated with keeping a domestic cat is very low to negligible, depending on the intensity of cat-to-human interactions. The separation of cats from humans suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection should contribute to preventing further transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Allendorf
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of International Animal Health & One Health, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
- Corresponding author at: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Nicolai Denzin
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Lisa A. Boden
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - François Elvinger
- Cornell University, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Science, Ithaca, USA
| | - Ioannis Magouras
- City University of Hong Kong, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Universiteit Utrecht, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - James L.N. Wood
- Disease Dynamics Unit, University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Katharina D.C. Stärk
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV), Department of Animal Health, Bern, Switzerland
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16
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Mind the feline coronavirus: Comparison with SARS-CoV-2. Gene 2022; 825:146443. [PMID: 35337854 PMCID: PMC8938304 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Both feline coronavirus (FCoV) and SARS-CoV-2 are coronaviruses that infect cats and humans, respectively. However, cats have been shown to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and FCoV also had been shown to infect human. To elucidate the relationship between FCoV and SARS-CoV-2, we highlight the main characteristics of the genome, the receptor usage, and the correlation of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike proteins in FCoV and SARS-CoV-2. It is demonstrated that FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 are closely related to the main characteristics of the genome, receptor usage, and RBD of spike proteins with similar furin cleavage sites. In particular, the affinity of the conserved feline angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (fACE2) receptor to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 suggests that cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. In addition, cross-species of coronaviruses between cats and humans or other domesticated animals are also discussed. This review sheds light on cats as potential intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and cross-species transmission or zoonotic infection of FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 between cats and humans was identified.
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17
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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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18
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Palombieri A, Di Profio F, Fruci P, Sarchese V, Martella V, Marsilio F, Di Martino B. Emerging Respiratory Viruses of Cats. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040663. [PMID: 35458393 PMCID: PMC9030917 DOI: 10.3390/v14040663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in diagnostics and deep sequencing technologies have led to the identification and characterization of novel viruses in cats as protoparviruses and chaphamaparvoviruses, unveiling the diversity of the feline virome in the respiratory tract. Observational, epidemiological and experimental data are necessary to demonstrate firmly if some viruses are able to cause disease, as this information may be confounded by virus- or host-related factors. Also, in recent years, researchers were able to monitor multiple examples of transmission to felids of viruses with high pathogenic potential, such as the influenza virus strains H5N1, H1N1, H7N2, H5N6 and H3N2, and in the late 2019, the human hypervirulent coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. These findings suggest that the study of viral infections always requires a multi-disciplinary approach inspired by the One Health vision. By reviewing the literature, we provide herewith an update on the emerging viruses identified in cats and their potential association with respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palombieri
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.P.); (F.D.P.); (P.F.); (V.S.); (B.D.M.)
| | - Federica Di Profio
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.P.); (F.D.P.); (P.F.); (V.S.); (B.D.M.)
| | - Paola Fruci
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.P.); (F.D.P.); (P.F.); (V.S.); (B.D.M.)
| | - Vittorio Sarchese
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.P.); (F.D.P.); (P.F.); (V.S.); (B.D.M.)
| | - Vito Martella
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy;
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.P.); (F.D.P.); (P.F.); (V.S.); (B.D.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0861-26-6871
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.P.); (F.D.P.); (P.F.); (V.S.); (B.D.M.)
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19
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DEMİRCİ M, YIĞIN A, KOCAZEYBEK B, KESKİN O. COVID-19 infections in pets such as cats and dogs. MEHMET AKIF ERSOY ÜNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.24880/maeuvfd.953646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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20
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The SARS-CoV-2 Reproduction Number R 0 in Cats. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122480. [PMID: 34960749 PMCID: PMC8704225 DOI: 10.3390/v13122480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and given that they are in close contact with people, assessing the potential risk cats represent for the transmission and maintenance of SARS-CoV-2 is important. Assessing this risk implies quantifying transmission from humans-to-cats, from cats-to-cats and from cats-to-humans. Here we quantified the risk of cat-to-cat transmission by reviewing published literature describing transmission either experimentally or under natural conditions in infected households. Data from these studies were collated to quantify the SARS-CoV-2 reproduction number R0 among cats. The estimated R0 was significantly higher than one, hence cats could play a role in the transmission and maintenance of SARS-CoV-2. Questions that remain to be addressed are the risk of transmission from humans-to-cats and cats-to-humans. Further data on household transmission and data on virus levels in both the environment around infected cats and their exhaled air could be a step towards assessing these risks.
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21
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Teixeira AIP. SARS-CoV-2 in animals: what about the cat? Vet Q 2021; 41:226-227. [PMID: 34280074 PMCID: PMC8344248 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2021.1958393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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22
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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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23
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Chetboul V, Foulex P, Kartout K, Klein AM, Sailleau C, Dumarest M, Delaplace M, Gouilh MA, Mortier J, Le Poder S. Myocarditis and Subclinical-Like Infection Associated With SARS-CoV-2 in Two Cats Living in the Same Household in France: A Case Report With Literature Review. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:748869. [PMID: 34746286 PMCID: PMC8566889 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.748869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This report provides the first clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and biological description of SARS-CoV-2-associated myocarditis with a 6-month follow-up in a 5-year-old obese male domestic shorthair cat (Cat-1) presented for refractory congestive heart failure, with high cardiac troponin-I level (5.24 ng/ml), and a large lingual ulcer. The animal was SARS-CoV-2 positive on serology. The other cat living in the same household (Cat-2) never showed any clinical sign but was also confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive on serology. Both cats were SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative. Cat-1 had closer contact than Cat-2 with their owner, who had been in close contact with a coworker tested PCR positive for COVID-19 (Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant) 4 weeks before Cat-1's first episode of congestive heart failure. A focused point-of-care echocardiography at presentation revealed for Cat-1 numerous B-lines, pleural effusion, severe left atrial dilation and dysfunction, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype associated with focal pulmonary consolidations. Both myocarditis and pneumonia were suspected, leading to the prescription of cardiac medications and antibiotics. One month later, Cat-1 recovered, with normalization of left atrial size and function, and radiographic and echocardiography disappearance of heart failure signs and pulmonary lesions. An extensive literature review of SARS-CoV-2-related cardiac injury in pets in comparison with human pathology is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Chetboul
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, CHUVA, Unité de Cardiologie d'Alfort (UCA), Maisons-Alfort, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France
| | - Pierre Foulex
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, CHUVA, Unité de Cardiologie d'Alfort (UCA), Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Kahina Kartout
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, CHUVA, Unité de Cardiologie d'Alfort (UCA), Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Corinne Sailleau
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, INRAE, ANSES, Laboratoire de santé animale, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marine Dumarest
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, INRAE, ANSES, Laboratoire de santé animale, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Manon Delaplace
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, INRAE, ANSES, Laboratoire de santé animale, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Meriadeg Ar Gouilh
- Groupe de Recherche sur l'Adaptation Microbienne (GRAM 2.0), Normandie Université, UNICAEN, 13 UNIROUEN, Caen, France
| | - Jeremy Mortier
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, CHUVA, Service d'Imagerie Médicale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sophie Le Poder
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, INRAE, ANSES, Laboratoire de santé animale, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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24
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Meekins DA, Gaudreault NN, Richt JA. Natural and Experimental SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Domestic and Wild Animals. Viruses 2021; 13:1993. [PMID: 34696423 PMCID: PMC8540328 DOI: 10.3390/v13101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to spread with devastating effects on global health and socioeconomics. The susceptibility of domestic and wild animal species to infection is a critical facet of SARS-CoV-2 ecology, since reverse zoonotic spillover events resulting in SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in animal populations could result in the establishment of new virus reservoirs. Adaptive mutations in the virus to new animal species could also complicate ongoing mitigation strategies to combat SARS-CoV-2. In addition, animal species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection are essential as standardized preclinical models for the development and efficacy testing of vaccines and therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the current findings regarding the susceptibility of different domestic and wild animal species to experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection and provide detailed descriptions of the clinical disease and transmissibility in these animals. In addition, we outline the documented natural infections in animals that have occurred at the human-animal interface. A comprehensive understanding of animal susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to inform public health, veterinary, and agricultural systems, and to guide environmental policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Meekins
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
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25
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Valencak TG, Csiszar A, Szalai G, Podlutsky A, Tarantini S, Fazekas-Pongor V, Papp M, Ungvari Z. Animal reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2: calculable COVID-19 risk for older adults from animal to human transmission. GeroScience 2021; 43:2305-2320. [PMID: 34460063 PMCID: PMC8404404 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the highly contagious respiratory pathogen SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), has already claimed close to three million lives. SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic disease: it emerged from a bat reservoir and it can infect a number of agricultural and companion animal species. SARS-CoV-2 can cause respiratory and intestinal infections, and potentially systemic multi-organ disease, in both humans and animals. The risk for severe illness and death with COVID-19 significantly increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. To combat the pandemic and protect the most susceptible group of older adults, understanding the human-animal interface and its relevance to disease transmission is vitally important. Currently high infection numbers are being sustained via human-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Yet, identifying potential animal reservoirs and potential vectors of the disease will contribute to stronger risk assessment strategies. In this review, the current information about SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals and the potential spread of SARS-CoV-2 to humans through contact with domestic animals (including dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters), agricultural animals (e.g., farmed minks), laboratory animals, wild animals (e.g., deer mice), and zoo animals (felines, non-human primates) are discussed with a special focus on reducing mortality in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa G Valencak
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Szalai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Andrej Podlutsky
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Vince Fazekas-Pongor
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Magor Papp
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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26
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Klaus J, Zini E, Hartmann K, Egberink H, Kipar A, Bergmann M, Palizzotto C, Zhao S, Rossi F, Franco V, Porporato F, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Dogs and Cats from Southern Germany and Northern Italy during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2021; 13:1453. [PMID: 34452319 PMCID: PMC8402904 DOI: 10.3390/v13081453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions of people globally since its first detection in late 2019. Besides humans, cats and, to some extent, dogs were shown to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for surveillance in a One Health context. Seven veterinary clinics from regions with high incidences of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were recruited during the early pandemic (March to July 2020) for the screening of patients. A total of 2257 oropharyngeal and nasal swab specimen from 877 dogs and 260 cats (including 18 animals from COVID-19-affected households and 92 animals with signs of respiratory disease) were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) targeting the viral envelope (E) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes. One oropharyngeal swab from an Italian cat, living in a COVID-19-affected household in Piedmont, tested positive in RT-qPCR (1/260; 0.38%, 95% CI: 0.01-2.1%), and SARS-CoV-2 infection of the animal was serologically confirmed six months later. One oropharyngeal swab from a dog was potentially positive (1/877; 0.1%, 95% CI: 0.002-0.63%), but the result was not confirmed in a reference laboratory. Analyses of convenience sera from 118 animals identified one dog (1/94; 1.1%; 95% CI: 0.02-5.7%) from Lombardy, but no cats (0/24), as positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies and neutralizing activity. These findings support the hypothesis that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pet cat and dog populations, and hence, the risk of zoonotic transmission to veterinary staff, was low during the first wave of the pandemic, even in hotspot areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Klaus
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Eric Zini
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell′Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Herman Egberink
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.E.); (S.Z.)
| | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Carlo Palizzotto
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Shan Zhao
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.E.); (S.Z.)
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Francesco Rossi
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Vittoria Franco
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Federico Porporato
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
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27
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Ekstrand K, Flanagan AJ, Lin IE, Vejseli B, Cole A, Lally AP, Morris RL, Morgan KN. Animal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the Welfare of Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2044. [PMID: 34359172 PMCID: PMC8300090 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The accelerated pace of research into Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) necessitates periodic summaries of current research. The present paper reviews virus susceptibilities in species with frequent human contact, and factors that are best predictors of virus susceptibility. Species reviewed were those in contact with humans through entertainment, pet, or agricultural trades, and for whom reports (either anecdotal or published) exist regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and/or the resulting disease state COVID-19. Available literature was searched using an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted engine, as well as via common databases, such as Web of Science and Medline. The present review focuses on susceptibility and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and polymorphisms in transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) that contribute to species differences. Dogs and pigs appear to have low susceptibility, while ferrets, mink, some hamster species, cats, and nonhuman primates (particularly Old World species) have high susceptibility. Precautions may therefore be warranted in interactions with such species, and more selectivity practiced when choosing appropriate species to serve as models for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda J. Flanagan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA;
| | - Ilyan E. Lin
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Brendon Vejseli
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Allicyn Cole
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
| | - Anna P. Lally
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
| | - Robert L. Morris
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Kathleen N. Morgan
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
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28
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Dróżdż M, Krzyżek P, Dudek B, Makuch S, Janczura A, Paluch E. Current State of Knowledge about Role of Pets in Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2021; 13:1149. [PMID: 34208484 PMCID: PMC8234912 DOI: 10.3390/v13061149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pets play a crucial role in the development of human feelings, social life, and care. However, in the era of the prevailing global pandemic of COVID-19 disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), many questions addressing the routes of the virus spread and transmission to humans are dramatically emerging. Although cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been found in pets including dogs, cats, and ferrets, to date there is no strong evidence for pet-to-human transmission or sustained pet-to-pet transmission of SARS-CoV-2. However, an increasing number of studies reporting detection of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed minks raises suspicion of potential viral transmission from these animals to humans. Furthermore, due to the high susceptibility of cats, ferrets, minks and hamsters to COVID-19 infection under natural and/or experimental conditions, these animals have been extensively explored as animal models to study the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and transmission. In this review, we present the latest reports focusing on SARS-CoV-2 detection, isolation, and characterization in pets. Moreover, based on the current literature, we document studies aiming to broaden the knowledge about pathogenicity and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and the development of viral therapeutics, drugs and vaccines. Lastly, considering the high rate of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and replication, we also suggest routes of protection against the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Dróżdż
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paweł Krzyżek
- Department of Microbiology, Wrocław Medical University, St. T. Chałubińskiego 4, 50-376 Wrocław, Poland; (P.K.); (A.J.)
| | - Barbara Dudek
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Private Health Care Institution, St. Jana Pawła II, 41-100 Siemianowice Śląskie, Poland;
| | - Sebastian Makuch
- Department of Pathology, Wrocław Medical University, St. K. Marcinkowskiego 1, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Adriana Janczura
- Department of Microbiology, Wrocław Medical University, St. T. Chałubińskiego 4, 50-376 Wrocław, Poland; (P.K.); (A.J.)
| | - Emil Paluch
- Department of Microbiology, Wrocław Medical University, St. T. Chałubińskiego 4, 50-376 Wrocław, Poland; (P.K.); (A.J.)
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29
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Natale A, Mazzotta E, Mason N, Ceglie L, Mion M, Stefani A, Fincato A, Bonfante F, Bortolami A, Monne I, Bellinati L, Guadagno C, Quaranta E, Pastori A, Terregino C. SARS-Cov-2 Natural Infection in a Symptomatic Cat: Diagnostic, Clinical and Medical Management in a One Health Vision. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1640. [PMID: 34205893 PMCID: PMC8227534 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the reported increase in SARS-CoV-2-infected pets, the description of the clinical features from natural infection and the medical follow up in symptomatic pets is still not sufficiently documented. This study reports the case of an indoor cat that displayed respiratory signs and a gastrointestinal syndrome, following the COVID-19 diagnosis of his owners. Thoracic radiographies were suggestive of bronchial pneumonia, while blood tests were indicative of a mild inflammatory process. Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs tested positive through RT-qPCR assays targeting SARS-CoV-2 genes 14 days after his owners tested positive for the virus. Nasal swabs persisted to be RT-qPCR positive after 31 days. Serology confirmed the presence of antibodies through ELISA, electrochemiluminescence analysis and plaque reduction neutralization test, recording a high antibody titre after 31 days. The cat improved after medical treatment and clinically recovered. This study suggests that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 could lead to a natural infection with bronchial pneumonia in cats along with a possible prolonged persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the upper airways, albeit at a low level. The cat developed neutralizing antibodies, reaching a high titre after 31 days. Further descriptions of SARS-CoV-2 naturally infected pets, their medical management and diagnostic findings would be useful to enhance knowledge about COVID-19 in susceptible animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Elisa Mazzotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Monica Mion
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Annalisa Stefani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Alice Fincato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Francesco Bonfante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Alessio Bortolami
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Monne
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Laura Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | | | - Erika Quaranta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Ambra Pastori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (L.B.); (E.Q.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
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Michelitsch A, Schön J, Hoffmann D, Beer M, Wernike K. The Second Wave of SARS-CoV-2 Circulation-Antibody Detection in the Domestic Cat Population in Germany. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061009. [PMID: 34072254 PMCID: PMC8229653 DOI: 10.3390/v13061009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Registered cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in the German human population increased rapidly during the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in winter 2020/21. Since domestic cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, the occurrence of trans-species transmission needs to be monitored. A previous serosurvey during the first wave of the pandemic detected antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in 0.65% of feline serum samples that were randomly sampled across Germany. In the here-presented follow-up study that was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021, the seroprevalence rose to 1.36% (16/1173). This doubling of the seroprevalence in cats is in line with the rise of reported cases in the human population and indicates a continuous occurrence of trans-species transmission from infected owners to their cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Martin Beer
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (K.W.); Tel.: +49-38351-71200 (M.B.); +49-38351-71212 (K.W.)
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (K.W.); Tel.: +49-38351-71200 (M.B.); +49-38351-71212 (K.W.)
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