1
|
Agüero B, Berrios F, Pardo-Roa C, Ariyama N, Bennett B, Medina RA, Neira V. First detection of Omicron variant BA.4.1 lineage in dogs, Chile. Vet Q 2024; 44:1-10. [PMID: 38174799 PMCID: PMC10769545 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2298089] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2's rapid global spread caused the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020. Alongside humans, domestic dogs and cats are also susceptible to infection. However, limited reports on pet infections in Chile prompted a comprehensive study to address this knowledge gap. Between March 2021 and March 2023, the study assessed 65 pets (26 dogs and 39 cats) from 33 COVID-19+ households alongside 700 nasal swabs from animals in households with unknown COVID-19 status. Using RT-PCR, nasal, fecal, and environmental samples were analyzed for the virus. In COVID-19+ households, 6.06% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, belonging to 3 dogs, indicating human-to-pet transmission. Pets from households with unknown COVID-19 status tested negative for the virus. We obtained 2 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from animals, that belonged to Omicron BA.4.1 variant, marking the first report of pets infected with this lineage globally. Phylogenetic analysis showed these sequences clustered with human sequences collected in Chile during the same period when the BA.4.1 variant was prevalent in the country. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Chilean pets was relatively low, likely due to the country's high human vaccination rate. Our study highlights the importance of upholding and strengthening human vaccination strategies to mitigate the risk of interspecies transmission. It underscores the critical role of the One Health approach in addressing emerging zoonotic diseases, calling for further research on infection dynamics and risk factors for a comprehensive understanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B. Agüero
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - F. Berrios
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - C. Pardo-Roa
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Nursing, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - N. Ariyama
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - B. Bennett
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - RA. Medina
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - V. Neira
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiménez de Oya N, Calvo-Pinilla E, Mingo-Casas P, Escribano-Romero E, Blázquez AB, Esteban A, Fernández-González R, Pericuesta E, Sánchez-Cordón PJ, Martín-Acebes MA, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Saiz JC. Susceptibility and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 variants in transgenic mice expressing the cat angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor. One Health 2024; 18:100744. [PMID: 38725960 PMCID: PMC11079394 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100744] [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] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 and its rapid spread throughout the world has caused the largest pandemic of our modern era. The zoonotic origin of this pathogen highlights the importance of the One Health concept and the need for a coordinated response to this kind of threats. Since its emergence, the virus has caused >7 million deaths worldwide. However, the animal source for human outbreaks remains unknown. The ability of the virus to jump between hosts is facilitated by the presence of the virus receptor, the highly conserved angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), found in various mammals. Positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in various species, including domestic animals and livestock, but their potential role in bridging viral transmission to humans is still unknown. Additionally, the virus has evolved over the pandemic, resulting in variants with different impacts on human health. Therefore, suitable animal models are crucial to evaluate the susceptibility of different mammalian species to this pathogen and the adaptability of different variants. In this work, we established a transgenic mouse model that expresses the feline ACE2 protein receptor (cACE2) under the human cytokeratin 18 (K18) gene promoter's control, enabling high expression in epithelial cells, which the virus targets. Using this model, we assessed the susceptibility, pathogenicity, and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our results show that the sole expression of the cACE2 receptor in these mice makes them susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 variants from the initial pandemic wave but does not enhance susceptibility to omicron variants. Furthermore, we demonstrated efficient contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between transgenic mice that express either the feline or the human ACE2 receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nereida Jiménez de Oya
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC). Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7, 5, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Eva Calvo-Pinilla
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, INIA-CSIC. Carretera Algete-El Casar de Talamanca, Km. 8,1, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Mingo-Casas
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC). Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7, 5, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Estela Escribano-Romero
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC). Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7, 5, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ana-Belén Blázquez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC). Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7, 5, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ana Esteban
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC). Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7, 5, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Raúl Fernández-González
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC. Av. Puerta de Hierro, 18, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC. Av. Puerta de Hierro, 18, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Pedro J. Sánchez-Cordón
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, INIA-CSIC. Carretera Algete-El Casar de Talamanca, Km. 8,1, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Martín-Acebes
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC). Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7, 5, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC. Av. Puerta de Hierro, 18, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Juan-Carlos Saiz
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC). Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7, 5, Madrid 28040, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Silva MJA, Santana DS, Lima MBM, Silva CS, de Oliveira LG, Monteiro EOL, Dias RDS, Pereira BDKB, Nery PADS, Ferreira MAS, Sarmento MADS, Ayin AAN, Mendes de Oliveira AC, Lima KVB, Lima LNGC. Assessment of the Risk Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence between Cats and Dogs in America and Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2024; 13:314. [PMID: 38668269 PMCID: PMC11053406 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040314] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represented a huge obstacle for public health and demonstrated weaknesses in surveillance and health promotion systems around the world. Its etiological agent, SARS-CoV-2, of zoonotic origin, has been the target of several studies related to the control and prevention of outbreaks and epidemics of COVID-19 not only for humans but also for animals. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, have extensive contact with humans and can acquire the infection both naturally and directly from humans. The objective of this article was to summarize the seroprevalence findings of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats and correlate them with the strength of infection risk between each of them. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the recommendations of PRISMA 2020. The search and selection of papers was carried out using in vivo experimental works with animals using the descriptors (MeSH/DeCS) "Animal", "Public Health", "SARS-CoV-2" and "Pandemic" (together with AND) in English, Portuguese or Spanish for Science Direct, PUBMED, LILACS and SciELO databases. The ARRIVE checklist was used for methodological evaluation and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software with the Difference Risk (RD) test to evaluate statistical inferences (with subgroups by continent). Cats showed greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 compared to dogs both in a joint analysis of studies (RD = 0.017; 95% CI = 0.008-0.025; p < 0.0001) and in the American subgroup (RD = 0.053; 95% CI = 0.032-0.073; p < 0.0001), unlike the lack of significant difference on the European continent (RD = 0.009; 95% CI = -0.001-0.018; p = 0.066). Therefore, it was observed that cats have a greater interest in health surveillance due to the set of biological and ecological aspects of these animals, but also that there are a set of factors that can influence the spread and possible spillover events of the virus thanks to the anthropozoonotic context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Jessé Abrahão Silva
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), University of the State of Pará (UEPA), Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil;
| | - Davi Silva Santana
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Marceli Batista Martins Lima
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Caroliny Soares Silva
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), University of the State of Pará (UEPA), Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil;
| | - Letícia Gomes de Oliveira
- Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (L.G.d.O.); (K.V.B.L.); (L.N.G.C.L.)
| | | | - Rafael dos Santos Dias
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Bruna de Kássia Barbosa Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Amazon (UNAMA), Belém 66120-901, PA, Brazil; (B.d.K.B.P.); (P.A.d.S.N.)
| | - Paula Andresa da Silva Nery
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Amazon (UNAMA), Belém 66120-901, PA, Brazil; (B.d.K.B.P.); (P.A.d.S.N.)
| | - Márcio André Silva Ferreira
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | | | - Andrea Alexandra Narro Ayin
- Faculty of Medicine, Centro Universitário do Estado do Pará (CESUPA), Belém 66613-903, PA, Brazil; (M.A.d.S.S.); (A.A.N.A.)
| | - Ana Cristina Mendes de Oliveira
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Su Z, McDonnell D, Cheshmehzangi A, Bentley BL, Šegalo S, da Veiga CP, Xiang YT. Where should "Humans" be in "One Health"? Lessons from COVID-19 for One Health. Global Health 2024; 20:24. [PMID: 38528528 PMCID: PMC10964596 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01026-y] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The culling of animals that are infected, or suspected to be infected, with COVID-19 has fuelled outcry. What might have contributed to the ongoing debates and discussions about animal rights protection amid global health crises is the lack of a unified understanding and internationally agreed-upon definition of "One Health". The term One Health is often utilised to describe the imperative to protect the health of humans, animals, and plants, along with the overarching ecosystem in an increasingly connected and globalized world. However, to date, there is a dearth of research on how to balance public health decisions that could impact all key stakeholders under the umbrella of One Health, particularly in contexts where human suffering has been immense. To shed light on the issue, this paper discusses whether One Health means "human-centred connected health" in a largely human-dominated planet, particularly amid crises like COVID-19. The insights of this study could help policymakers make more informed decisions that could effectively and efficiently protect human health while balancing the health and well-being of the rest of the inhabitants of our shared planet Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Institute for Human Rights, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Dean McDonnell
- Department of Humanities, South East Technological University, Carlow, R93 V960, Ireland
| | - Ali Cheshmehzangi
- Center of Innovation for Education and Research (CIER), Qingdao City University, Qingdao, China
- Network for Education and Research On Peace and Sustainability, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 739-8530, Japan
| | - Barry L Bentley
- Cardiff School of Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
- Collaboration for the Advancement of Sustainable Medical Innovation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sabina Šegalo
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Claudimar Pereira da Veiga
- Fundação Dom Cabral - FDC, Av. Princesa Diana, 760 Alphaville, Lagoa Dos Ingleses, Nova Lima, MG, 34018-006, Brazil.
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration; Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences; Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences; Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yamayoshi S, Ito M, Iwatsuki-Horimoto K, Yasuhara A, Okuda M, Hamabata T, Murakami J, Duong C, Yamamoto T, Kuroda Y, Maeda K, Kawaoka Y. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats during the early and mid-pandemic periods in Japan. One Health 2023; 17:100588. [PMID: 37359748 PMCID: PMC10279464 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100588] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continued to circulate in humans since its emergence in 2019. While infection in humans continues, numerous spillover events to at least 32 animal species, including companion and zoo animals, have been reported. Since dogs and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and have direct contact with their owners and other household members, it is important to know the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats. Here, we established an ELISA to detect serum antibodies against the receptor-binding domain and the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins. Using this ELISA, we assessed seroprevalence in 488 dog serum samples and 355 cat serum samples that were collected during the early pandemic period (between May and June of 2020) and 312 dog serum samples and 251 cat serum samples that were collected during the mid-pandemic period (between October 2021 and January 2022). We found that two dog serum samples (0.41%) collected in 2020, one cat serum sample (0.28%) collected in 2020, and four cat serum samples (1.6%) collected in 2021 were positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. No dog serum samples collected in 2021 were positive for these antibodies. We conclude that the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats in Japan is low, suggesting that these animals are not a major SARS-CoV-2 reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seiya Yamayoshi
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Global Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Ito
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Atsuhiro Yasuhara
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moe Okuda
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiki Hamabata
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jurika Murakami
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Calvin Duong
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Yamamoto
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Yudai Kuroda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kawaoka
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Global Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Japan
- The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center, Japan
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gin TE, Petzold EA, Uthappa DM, Neighbors CE, Borough AR, Gin C, Lashnits E, Sempowski GD, Denny T, Bienzle D, Weese JS, Callahan BJ, Woods CW. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 identification methods through surveillance of companion animals in SARS-CoV-2-positive homes in North Carolina, March to December 2020. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16310. [PMID: 37901455 PMCID: PMC10607186 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16310] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We collected oral and/or rectal swabs and serum from dogs and cats living in homes with SARS-CoV-2-PCR-positive persons for SARS-CoV-2 PCR and serology testing. Pre-COVID-19 serum samples from dogs and cats were used as negative controls, and samples were tested in duplicate at different timepoints. Raw ELISA results scrutinized relative to known negative samples suggested that cut-offs for IgG seropositivity may require adjustment relative to previously proposed values, while proposed cut-offs for IgM require more extensive validation. A small number of pet dogs (2/43, 4.7%) and one cat (1/21, 4.8%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and 28.6 and 37.5% of cats and dogs were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E. Gin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Petzold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Diya M. Uthappa
- Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Coralei E. Neighbors
- Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Anna R. Borough
- Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Craig Gin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Sempowski
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Thomas Denny
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Dorothee Bienzle
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - J. Scott Weese
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin J. Callahan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Christopher W. Woods
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tinto B, Revel J, Virolle L, Chenet B, Reboul Salze F, Ortega A, Beltrame M, Simonin Y. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Domestics and Exotic Animals in Southern France. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:426. [PMID: 37755888 PMCID: PMC10534723 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since late 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a significant global threat to public health. Responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, this new coronavirus has prompted extensive scientific research to comprehend its transmission dynamics, especially among humans. However, as our understanding deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that SARS-CoV-2's impact goes beyond human populations. Recent investigations have illuminated the transmission of the virus between humans and various animal species, raising important questions about zoonotic spillover events and their potential implications for both human and animal health. Our study set out to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals (dogs and cats) and zoo animals in the south of France in 2021 and 2022, covering pre-Omicron and Omicron waves. We identified evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies not only in domestic dogs and cats but also in several mammals in zoos. This study shows the importance of implementing surveillance measures, including serological studies, to identify and monitor cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bachirou Tinto
- Centre MURAZ, Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso;
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, 34394 Montpellier, France;
| | - Justine Revel
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, 34394 Montpellier, France;
| | - Laurie Virolle
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.V.); (B.C.)
| | - Baptiste Chenet
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.V.); (B.C.)
| | | | - Alix Ortega
- Sigean African Reserve, 11130 Sigean, France; (A.O.)
| | | | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, 34394 Montpellier, France;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jones S, Tyson GB, Orton RJ, Smollett K, Manna F, Kwok K, Suárez NM, Logan N, McDonald M, Bowie A, Filipe ADS, Willett BJ, Weir W, Hosie MJ. SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic UK Cats from Alpha to Omicron: Swab Surveillance and Case Reports. Viruses 2023; 15:1769. [PMID: 37632111 PMCID: PMC10459977 DOI: 10.3390/v15081769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although domestic cats are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, the role of the virus in causing feline disease is less well defined. We conducted a large-scale study to identify SARS-CoV-2 infections in UK pet cats, using active and passive surveillance. Remnant feline respiratory swab samples, submitted for other pathogen testing between May 2021 and February 2023, were screened using RT-qPCR. In addition, we appealed to veterinarians for swab samples from cats suspected of having clinical SARS-CoV-2 infections. Bespoke testing for SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies was also performed, on request, in suspected cases. One RT-qPCR-positive cat was identified by active surveillance (1/549, 0.18%), during the Delta wave (1/175, 0.57%). Passive surveillance detected one cat infected with the Alpha variant, and two of ten cats tested RT-qPCR-positive during the Delta wave. No cats tested RT-qPCR-positive after the emergence of Omicron BA.1 and its descendants although 374 were tested by active and eleven by passive surveillance. We describe four cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pet cats, identified by RT-qPCR and/or serology, that presented with a range of clinical signs, as well as their SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences. These cases demonstrate that, although uncommon in cats, a variety of clinical signs can occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jones
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Grace B. Tyson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Richard J. Orton
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Katherine Smollett
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Federica Manna
- Bath Vet Referrals, Rosemary Lodge Veterinary Hospital, Wellsway, Bath BA2 5RL, UK
| | - Kirsty Kwok
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Nicolás M. Suárez
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Nicola Logan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Andrea Bowie
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Ana Da Silva Filipe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Brian J. Willett
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tan CS, Bandak DB, Habeebur-Rahman SP, Tan LT, Lim LLA. Serosurveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals in Sarawak, Malaysia. Virol J 2023; 20:176. [PMID: 37550752 PMCID: PMC10408157 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02133-9] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic betacoronavirus that was first reported at the dawn of 2019 in Wuhan, China and has since spread globally, causing an ongoing pandemic. Anthroponotic transmission was reported early, with confirmed infections reported in 26 species to date, including dogs and cats. However, there is a paucity of reports on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to companion animals, and thus, we aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats in Sarawak, Malaysia. From August 2022 to 2023, we screened plasma samples of 172 companion animals in Sarawak, Malaysia, using a species-independent surrogate virus neutralization test. Our findings revealed the presence of neutralizing antibodies of SARS-CoV-2 in 24.5% (27/110) of dogs and 24.2% (15/62) of cats. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals in Malaysia. Our findings emphasize the need for pet owners to distance themselves from their pets when unwell, and a strategy must be in place to monitor SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals to assess the potential impact of the virus on companion animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Siang Tan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | | | | | - Lee Tung Tan
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, 93350, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Li Li Andrea Lim
- Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, 93250, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lenguiya LH, Fritz M, De Fonclare DDR, Corbet S, Becquart P, Mbou C, Nguie RJ, Mouellet WS, Demboux JEL, Issamou Mayengue P, Koukouikila-Koussounda F, Ar Gouilh M, Leroy EM, Niama FR. Whole-Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Reveals Simultaneous Circulation of Three Variants and a Putative Recombination (20B/20H) in Pets, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040933. [PMID: 37112914 PMCID: PMC10142050 DOI: 10.3390/v15040933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, cases of pets infected with variants circulating among humans were reported. In order to evaluate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation among pets in the Republic of the Congo, we conducted a ten-month study of dogs and cats living in COVID-19-positive households in Brazzaville and neighboring localities. Real-time PCR and the Luminex platform were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 RBD and S proteins, respectively. Our results show for the first time the simultaneous circulation of several variants of SARS-CoV-2, including viruses from clades 20A and 20H and a putative recombinant variant between viruses from clades 20B and 20H. We found a high seroprevalence of 38.6%, with 14% of tested pets positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Thirty-four percent of infected pets developed mild clinical signs, including respiratory and digestive signs, and shed the virus for about one day to two weeks. These results highlight the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 interspecies transmission and the benefits of a "One Health" approach that includes SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and surveillance of viral diversity in pets. This approach aims to prevent transmission to surrounding wildlife as well as spillback to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthieu Fritz
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité Mixte de Recherche Mivegec, BP34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Daphné de Riols De Fonclare
- UNICAEN, Department of Viroloy, University of Rouen Normandie, Inserm Dynamicure UMR 1311, BP14000 Caen, France
| | - Sandrine Corbet
- UNICAEN, Department of Viroloy, University of Rouen Normandie, Inserm Dynamicure UMR 1311, BP14000 Caen, France
| | - Pierre Becquart
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité Mixte de Recherche Mivegec, BP34090 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Pembe Issamou Mayengue
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville BP69, Congo
- Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Brazzaville BP120, Congo
| | - Félix Koukouikila-Koussounda
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville BP69, Congo
- Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Brazzaville BP120, Congo
| | - Meriadeg Ar Gouilh
- UNICAEN, Department of Viroloy, University of Rouen Normandie, Inserm Dynamicure UMR 1311, BP14000 Caen, France
| | - Eric M Leroy
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité Mixte de Recherche Mivegec, BP34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Fabien Roch Niama
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville BP69, Congo
- Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Brazzaville BP120, Congo
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Michelitsch A, Allendorf V, Conraths FJ, Gethmann J, Schulz J, Wernike K, Denzin N. SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Clinical Signs in Cats and Dogs from Confirmed Positive Households in Germany. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040837. [PMID: 37112817 PMCID: PMC10144952 DOI: 10.3390/v15040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
On a global scale, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a serious threat to the health of the human population. Not only humans can be infected, but also their companion animals. The antibody status of 115 cats and 170 dogs, originating from 177 German households known to have been SARS-CoV-2 positive, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the results were combined with information gathered from a questionnaire that was completed by the owner(s) of the animals. The true seroprevalences of SARS-CoV-2 among cats and dogs were 42.5% (95% CI 33.5–51.9) and 56.8% (95% CI 49.1–64.4), respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression accounting for data clustered in households, for cats, the number of infected humans in the household and an above-average contact intensity turned out to be significant risk factors; contact with humans outside the household was a protective factor. For dogs, on the contrary, contact outside the household was a risk factor, and reduced contact, once the human infection was known, was a significant protective factor. No significant association was found between reported clinical signs in animals and their antibody status, and no spatial clustering of positive test results was identified.
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Low Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Canine and Feline Serum Samples Collected during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong and Korea. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020582. [PMID: 36851796 PMCID: PMC9967295 DOI: 10.3390/v15020582] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions of people worldwide since its emergence in 2019. Knowing the potential capacity of the virus to adapt to other species, the serological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in susceptible animals is important. Hong Kong and Seoul are two of Asia's most densely populated urban cities, where companion animals often live in close contact with humans. Sera collected from 1040 cats and 855 dogs during the early phase of the pandemic in Hong Kong and Seoul were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using an ELISA that detects antibodies against the receptor binding domain of the viral spike protein. Positive sera were also tested for virus neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization (sVNT) and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Among feline sera, 4.51% and 2.54% of the samples from Korea and Hong Kong, respectively, tested ELISA positive. However, only 1.64% of the samples from Korea and 0.18% from Hong Kong tested positive by sVNT, while only 0.41% of samples from Korea tested positive by PRNT. Among canine samples, 4.94% and 6.46% from Korea and Hong Kong, respectively, tested positive by ELISA, while only 0.29% of sera from Korea were positive on sVNT and no canine sera tested positive by PRNT. These results confirm a low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in companion animals in Korea and Hong Kong. The discordance between the RBD-ELISA and neutralization tests may indicate possible ELISA cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses, especially in canine sera.
Collapse
|
15
|
Lyoo KS, Yeo YH, Lee SG, Yeom M, Lee JY, Kim KC, Song D. Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV in Beagle Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040624. [PMID: 36830411 PMCID: PMC9951710 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040624] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in unprecedented challenges to healthcare worldwide. In particular, the anthroponotic transmission of human coronaviruses has become a common concern among pet owners. Here, we experimentally inoculated beagle dogs with SARS-CoV-2 or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) to compare their susceptibility to and the pathogenicity of these viruses. The dogs in this study exhibited weight loss and increased body temperatures and shed the viruses in their nasal secretions, feces, and urine. Pathologic changes were observed in the lungs of the dogs inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 or MERS-CoV. Additionally, clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, such as increased lactate dehydrogenase levels, were identified in the current study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Soo Lyoo
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Hwan Yeo
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Geun Lee
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjoo Yeom
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Virology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Yeon Lee
- Division of Emerging Infectious Disease and Vector Research, Center for Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Chang Kim
- Division of Emerging Infectious Disease and Vector Research, Center for Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesub Song
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Virology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Guo R, Wolff C, Prada JM, Mughini-Gras L. When COVID-19 sits on people's laps: A systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in household dogs and cats. One Health 2023; 16:100497. [PMID: 36778083 PMCID: PMC9896854 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, questions were raised about whether SARS-CoV-2 can infect pets and the potential risks posed to and by their human owners. We performed a systematic review of studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in naturally infected household dogs and cats conducted worldwide and published before January 2022. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence, as determined by either molecular or serological methods, and accompanying information, were summarized. Screening studies targeting the general dog or cat populations were differentiated from those targeting households with known COVID-19-positive people. Studies focusing on stray, sheltered or working animals were excluded. In total, 17 studies were included in this review. Fourteen studies investigated cats, 13 investigated dogs, and 10 investigated both. Five studies reported molecular prevalence, 16 reported seroprevalence, and four reported both. All but two studies started and ended in 2020. Studies were conducted in eight European countries (Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Poland), three Asian countries (Iran, Japan, China) and the USA. Both molecular and serological prevalence in the general pet population were usually below 5%, but exceeded 10% when COVID-19 positive people were known to be present in the household. A meta-analysis provided pooled seroprevalence estimates in the general pet population: 2.75% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.56-4.79%) and 0.82% (95% CI: 0.26-2.54%) for cats and dogs, respectively. This review highlighted the need for a better understanding of the possible epizootic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the need for global standards for SARS-CoV-2 detection in pets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoshui Guo
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands,Corresponding author at: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721MA Bilthoven, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Interactions between Humans and Dogs during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recent Updates and Future Perspectives. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030524. [PMID: 36766413 PMCID: PMC9913536 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030524] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is one of the deadliest epidemics. This pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the role of dogs in spreading the disease in human society is poorly understood. This review sheds light on the limited susceptibility of dogs to COVID-19 infections which is likely attributed to the relatively low levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the respiratory tract and the phylogenetic distance of ACE2 in dogs from the human ACE2 receptor. The low levels of ACE2 affect the binding affinity between spike and ACE2 proteins resulting in it being uncommon for dogs to spread the disease. To demonstrate the role of dogs in spreading COVID-19, we reviewed the epidemiological studies and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs. Additionally, we discussed the use of detection dogs as a rapid and reliable method for effectively discriminating between SARS-CoV-2 infected and non-infected individuals using different types of samples (secretions, saliva, and sweat). We considered the available information on COVID-19 in the human-dog interfaces involving the possibility of transmission of COVID-19 to dogs by infected individuals and vice versa, the human-dog behavior changes, and the importance of preventive measures because the risk of transmission by domestic dogs remains a concern.
Collapse
|
18
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liew AY, Carpenter A, Moore TA, Wallace RM, Hamer SA, Hamer GL, Fischer RSB, Zecca IB, Davila E, Auckland LD, Rooney JA, Killian ML, Tell RM, Rekant SI, Burrell SD, Ghai RR, Behravesh CB. Clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats compiled through national surveillance in the United States. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023; 261:480-489. [PMID: 36595371 PMCID: PMC10038921 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.08.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals detected through both passive and active surveillance in the US. ANIMALS 204 companion animals (109 cats, 95 dogs) across 33 states with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections between March 2020 and December 2021. PROCEDURES Public health officials, animal health officials, and academic researchers investigating zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission events reported clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic information through a standardized One Health surveillance process developed by the CDC and partners. RESULTS Among dogs and cats identified through passive surveillance, 94% (n = 87) had reported exposure to a person with COVID-19 before infection. Clinical signs of illness were present in 74% of pets identified through passive surveillance and 27% of pets identified through active surveillance. Duration of illness in pets averaged 15 days in cats and 12 days in dogs. The average time between human and pet onset of illness was 10 days. Viral nucleic acid was first detected at 3 days after exposure in both cats and dogs. Antibodies were detected starting 5 days after exposure, and titers were highest at 9 days in cats and 14 days in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study supported that cats and dogs primarily become infected with SARS-CoV-2 following exposure to a person with COVID-19, most often their owners. Case investigation and surveillance that include both people and animals are necessary to understand transmission dynamics and viral evolution of zoonotic diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sarah A Hamer
- 2Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- 3Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | - Italo B Zecca
- 1CDC, Atlanta, GA
- 2Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Edward Davila
- 2Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- 2Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | - Mary Lea Killian
- 6National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, USDA, Ames, IA
| | - Rachel M Tell
- 6National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, USDA, Ames, IA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cossaboom CM, Wendling NM, Lewis NM, Rettler H, Harvey RR, Amman BR, Towner JS, Spengler JR, Erickson R, Burnett C, Young EL, Oakeson K, Carpenter A, Kainulainen MH, Chatterjee P, Flint M, Uehara A, Li Y, Zhang J, Kelleher A, Lynch B, Retchless AC, Tong S, Ahmad A, Bunkley P, Godino C, Herzegh O, Drobeniuc J, Rooney J, Taylor D, Barton Behravesh C. One Health Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in People and Animals on Multiple Mink Farms in Utah. Viruses 2022; 15:96. [PMID: 36680136 PMCID: PMC9864593 DOI: 10.3390/v15010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
From July−November 2020, mink (Neogale vison) on 12 Utah farms experienced an increase in mortality rates due to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We conducted epidemiologic investigations on six farms to identify the source of virus introduction, track cross-species transmission, and assess viral evolution. Interviews were conducted and specimens were collected from persons living or working on participating farms and from multiple animal species. Swabs and sera were tested by SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and serological assays, respectively. Whole genome sequencing was attempted for specimens with cycle threshold values <30. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected by rRT-PCR or serology in ≥1 person, farmed mink, dog, and/or feral cat on each farm. Sequence analysis showed high similarity between mink and human sequences on corresponding farms. On farms sampled at multiple time points, mink tested rRT-PCR positive up to 16 weeks post-onset of increased mortality. Workers likely introduced SARS-CoV-2 to mink, and mink transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to other animal species; mink-to-human transmission was not identified. Our findings provide critical evidence to support interventions to prevent and manage SARS-CoV-2 in people and animals on mink farms and emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach to address emerging zoonoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M. Cossaboom
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Natalie M. Wendling
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Nathaniel M. Lewis
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Hannah Rettler
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA
| | - Robert R. Harvey
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Brian R. Amman
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jonathan S. Towner
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jessica R. Spengler
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Robert Erickson
- Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Salt Lake City, UT 84129, USA
| | - Cindy Burnett
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA
| | - Erin L. Young
- Utah Public Health Laboratory, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Salt Lake City, UT 84129, USA
| | - Kelly Oakeson
- Utah Public Health Laboratory, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Salt Lake City, UT 84129, USA
| | - Ann Carpenter
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Markus H. Kainulainen
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Payel Chatterjee
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Mike Flint
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Anna Uehara
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Yan Li
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Anna Kelleher
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Brian Lynch
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Adam C. Retchless
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Suxiang Tong
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Ausaf Ahmad
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Paige Bunkley
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Claire Godino
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Owen Herzegh
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jan Drobeniuc
- CDC National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jane Rooney
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Dean Taylor
- Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Salt Lake City, UT 84129, USA
| | - Casey Barton Behravesh
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang A, Zhu X, Chen Y, Sun Y, Liu H, Ding P, Zhou J, Liu Y, Liang C, Yin J, Zhang G. Serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals in China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:986619. [PMID: 36532346 PMCID: PMC9748147 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.986619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted from human to companion animals. The national wide serological surveillance against SARS-CoV-2 was conducted among pet animals, mainly in cats and dogs, 1 year after the first outbreak of COVID-19 in China. All sera were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein. This late survey takes advantage of the short duration of the serological response in these animals to track recent episode of transmission. A total of 20,592 blood samples were obtained from 25 provinces across 7 geographical regions. The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cats was 0.015% (2/13397; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.0, 0.1). The virus infections in cats were only detected in Central (Hubei, 0.375%) and Eastern China (Zhejiang, 0.087%) with a seroprevalence estimated at 0.090 and 0.020%, respectively. In dogs, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was 0.014% (1/7159; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.1) in the entire nation, seropositive samples were limited to Beijing (0.070%) of Northern China with a prevalence of 0.054%. No seropositive cases were discovered in other geographic regions, nor in other companion animals analyzed in this study. These data reveal the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals, although transmission of the virus to domestic cats and dogs is low in China, continuous monitoring is helpful for the better understand of the virus transmission status and the effect on animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xifang Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaning Sun
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peiyang Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingming Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yankai Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chao Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Yin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ratti G, Lelli D, Moreno A, Stranieri A, Trogu T, Giordano A, Grassi A, Luzzago C, Decaro N, Paltrinieri S, Lauzi S. Comparison of diagnostic performances of different serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection in cats and dogs. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3530-3539. [PMID: 36183165 PMCID: PMC9538080 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Serosurveillance among animals, including pets, plays an important role in the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, because severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in animal populations could result in the establishment of new virus reservoirs. Serological assays that offer the required sensitivity and specificity are essential. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of three different commercially available immunoassays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pets, namely two ELISA tests for the detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid [ID Screen SARS CoV-2 double antigen multispecies (Double antigen) and ID Screen® SARS-CoV-2-N IgG indirect ELISA (Indirect)] and one test for the detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding-domain [surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT)]. The obtained results were compared with those of conventional virus neutralization test (VNT), which was regarded as reference method. A total of 191 serum samples were analysed. Thirteen (6.8%) samples showed VNT-positive results. The overall sensitivity was higher for sVNT (100%) compared to nucleocapsid-based ELISA assays (23% for Double antigen and 60% for Indirect). The specificity was 100% for Indirect ELISA and sVNT, when a higher cut-off (>30%) was used compared to the one previously defined by the manufacturer (>20%), whereas the other test showed lower value (99%). The sVNT test showed the highest accuracy and agreement with VNT, with a perfect agreement when the higher cut-off was applied. The agreement between each nucleocapsid-based ELISA test and VNT was 96% for Indirect and 94% for Double antigen. Our findings showed that some commercially available serological tests may lead to a high rate of false-negative results, highlighting the importance of assays validation for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in domestic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ratti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal SciencesUniversity of MilanLodiItaly
| | - Davide Lelli
- Department of VirologyIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia‐RomagnaBresciaItaly
| | - Ana Moreno
- Department of VirologyIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia‐RomagnaBresciaItaly
| | - Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal SciencesUniversity of MilanLodiItaly
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Department of VirologyIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia‐RomagnaBresciaItaly
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal SciencesUniversity of MilanLodiItaly
| | - Andrea Grassi
- I‐VET srl, Laboratorio di Analisi VeterinarieFleroBresciaItaly
| | - Camilla Luzzago
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal SciencesUniversity of MilanLodiItaly
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroValenzanoBariItaly
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal SciencesUniversity of MilanLodiItaly
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal SciencesUniversity of MilanLodiItaly
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
GPS Tracking of Free-Roaming Cats (Felis catus) on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Mink Farms in Utah. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102131. [PMID: 36298686 PMCID: PMC9611678 DOI: 10.3390/v14102131] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected humans to other animals has been documented around the world, most notably in mink farming operations in Europe and the United States. Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 on Utah mink farms began in late July 2020 and resulted in high mink mortality. An investigation of these outbreaks revealed active and past SARS-CoV-2 infections in free-roaming and in feral cats living on or near several mink farms. Cats were captured using live traps, were sampled, fitted with GPS collars, and released on the farms. GPS tracking of these cats show they made frequent visits to mink sheds, moved freely around the affected farms, and visited surrounding residential properties and neighborhoods on multiple occasions, making them potential low risk vectors of additional SARS-CoV-2 spread in local communities.
Collapse
|
25
|
High Seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 among Dogs and Cats, Poland, 2021/2022. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162016. [PMID: 36009608 PMCID: PMC9404425 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for a pandemic in the human population that has unfolded since the beginning of 2020 and has led to millions of deaths globally. Apart from humans, SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed in various animal species, including felines, canines, mustelids, and primates. Of these species, dogs and cats are the most popular companion animals worldwide. Several seroprevalence studies have already been performed in these animal species; however, the results vary depending on the location and especially the time of sampling. Here, serum samples were collected from a total of 388 dogs and 243 cats from three veterinary clinics in two cities (Gdańsk and Olsztyn) in Poland between October 2021 and February 2022, when the country was in the midst of the fourth wave of viral spread. All sera were tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by a multispecies ELISA based on the receptor-binding domain and by an indirect immunofluorescence assay (iIFA). Overall, 18.9% of the feline sera and 16.0% of the canine sera tested positive using ELISA and iIFA. This relatively high seroprevalence among randomly selected animals is most likely related to the high case numbers in the human population and indicates a continuous occurrence of transspecies virus transmissions from infected owners to their pets. Hence, dogs and cats should be included in monitoring studies and/or outbreak investigations for a better understanding of the epidemiology of this virus.
Collapse
|
26
|
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.
Collapse
|
27
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sila T, Sunghan J, Laochareonsuk W, Surasombatpattana S, Kongkamol C, Ingviya T, Siripaitoon P, Kositpantawong N, Kanchanasuwan S, Hortiwakul T, Charernmak B, Nwabor OF, Silpapojakul K, Chusri S. Suspected Cat-to-Human Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, Thailand, July-September 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1485-1488. [PMID: 35666777 PMCID: PMC9239874 DOI: 10.3201/eid2807.212605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A veterinarian in Thailand was diagnosed with COVID-19 after being sneezed on by an infected cat owned by an infected patient. Genetic study supported the hypothesis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from the owner to the cat, and then from the cat to the veterinarian.
Collapse
|
29
|
Bienzle D, Rousseau J, Marom D, MacNicol J, Jacobson L, Sparling S, Prystajecky N, Fraser E, Weese JS. Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Illness in Cats and Dogs1. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1154-1162. [PMID: 35608925 PMCID: PMC9155877 DOI: 10.3201/eid2806.220423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested swab specimens from pets in households in Ontario, Canada, with human COVID-19 cases by quantitative PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and surveyed pet owners for risk factors associated with infection and seropositivity. We tested serum samples for spike protein IgG and IgM in household pets and also in animals from shelters and low-cost neuter clinics. Among household pets, 2% (1/49) of swab specimens from dogs and 7.7% (5/65) from cats were PCR positive, but 41% of dog serum samples and 52% of cat serum samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG or IgM. The likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet samples was higher for cats but not dogs that slept on owners’ beds and for dogs and cats that contracted a new illness. Seropositivity in neuter-clinic samples was 16% (35/221); in shelter samples, 9.3% (7/75). Our findings indicate a high likelihood for pets in households of humans with COVID-19 to seroconvert and become ill.
Collapse
|
30
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wendling NM, Carpenter A, Liew A, Ghai RR, Gallardo-Romero N, Stoddard RA, Tao Y, Zhang J, Retchless AC, Ahmad A, Bunkley P, Godino C, Mauldin MR, Varela K, Ritter JM, Hennebelle J, Feldpausch A, Gabel J, Kainulainen MH, Herzegh O, Tong S, Spengler JR, Barton Behravesh C. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) from a fully vaccinated human to a canine in Georgia, July 2021. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:587-592. [PMID: 35426241 PMCID: PMC9115446 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has been described in a wide range of species, including domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Illness in dogs is usually self‐limiting, and further diagnostics may not be pursued if clinical signs resolve or they respond to empirical treatment. As new variants emerge, the clinical presentation and role in transmission may vary in animals. This report highlights different clinical presentations and immunological responses in two SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta‐variant‐positive dogs with similar exposure to the same fully vaccinated human with a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and emphasizes the need for active surveillance and additional One Health research on SARS‐CoV‐2 variant infections in companion animals and other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Carpenter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amanda Liew
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ria R Ghai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Robyn A Stoddard
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ying Tao
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adam C Retchless
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ausaf Ahmad
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Paige Bunkley
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Claire Godino
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Kate Varela
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jana M Ritter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Julie Gabel
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Owen Herzegh
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Suxiang Tong
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Rotstein DS, Peloquin S, Proia K, Hart E, Lee J, Vyhnal KK, Sasaki E, Balamayooran G, Asin J, Southard T, Rothfeldt L, Venkat H, Mundschenk P, McDermott D, Crossley B, Ferro P, Gomez G, Henderson EH, Narayan P, Paulsen DB, Rekant S, Schroeder ME, Tell RM, Torchetti MK, Uzal FA, Carpenter A, Ghai R. Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated lesions in exotic and companion animals. Vet Pathol 2022; 59:707-711. [PMID: 35038930 PMCID: PMC9207983 DOI: 10.1177/03009858211067467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Documented natural infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in exotic and companion animals following human exposures are uncommon. Those documented in animals are typically mild and self-limiting, and infected animals have only infrequently died or been euthanized. Through a coordinated One Health initiative, necropsies were conducted on 5 animals from different premises that were exposed to humans with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The combination of epidemiologic evidence of exposure and confirmatory real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed infection in 3 cats and a tiger. A dog was a suspect case based on epidemiologic evidence of exposure but tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Four animals had respiratory clinical signs that developed 2 to 12 days after exposure. The dog had bronchointerstitial pneumonia and the tiger had bronchopneumonia; both had syncytial-like cells with no detection of SARS-CoV-2. Individual findings in the 3 cats included metastatic mammary carcinoma, congenital renal disease, and myocardial disease. Based on the necropsy findings and a standardized algorithm, SARS-CoV-2 infection was not considered the cause of death in any of the cases. Continued surveillance and necropsy examination of animals with fatal outcomes will further our understanding of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals and the potential role of the virus in development of lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Rotstein
- US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Office of Surveillance and Compliance, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Peloquin
- US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Office of Research, Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen Proia
- US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Office of Research, Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Ellen Hart
- US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Office of Surveillance and Compliance, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jeongha Lee
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Emi Sasaki
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Javier Asin
- University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | | | - Laura Rothfeldt
- Arkansas Department of Health, Zoonotic Disease Section, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Heather Venkat
- Center for Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Darby McDermott
- New Jersey Department of Health, Communicable Disease Service, Trenton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Pamela Ferro
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel Gomez
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Paul Narayan
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Megan E Schroeder
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Rachel M Tell
- USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | | | - Ann Carpenter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ria Ghai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
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.
Collapse
|