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van der Leij WJR, Broens EM, Hesselink JW, Schuurman N, Vernooij JCM, Egberink HF. Serological Screening for Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Dutch Shelter Cats. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081634. [PMID: 34452497 PMCID: PMC8402678 DOI: 10.3390/v13081634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns that companion animals might be infected with, and could become a reservoir of, SARS-CoV-2. As cats are popular pets and susceptible to Coronavirus, we investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in shelter cats housed in Dutch animal shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this large-scale cross-sectional study, serum samples of shelter cats were collected during the second wave of human COVID-19 infections in The Netherlands. Seroprevalence was determined by using an indirect protein-based ELISA validated for cats, and a Virus Neutralization Test (VNT) as confirmation. To screen for feline SARS-CoV-2 shedding, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs of cats positive for ELISA and/or VNT were analyzed using PCR tests. In 28 Dutch animal shelters, 240 shelter cats were convenience sampled. Two of these cats (0.8%; CI 95%: 0.1–3.0%) were seropositive, as evidenced by the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. The seropositive animals tested PCR negative for SARS-CoV-2. Based on the results of this study, it is unlikely that shelter cats could be a reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 or pose a (significant) risk to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. J. R. van der Leij
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Shelter Medicine Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Els M. Broens
- Veterinary Microbiological Diagnostic Centre (VMDC), Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Willem Hesselink
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Nancy Schuurman
- Virology Division, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.S.); (H.F.E.)
| | - Johannes C. M. Vernooij
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Herman F. Egberink
- Virology Division, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.S.); (H.F.E.)
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52
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Smith SL, Anderson ER, Cansado-Utrilla C, Prince T, Farrell S, Brant B, Smyth S, Noble PJM, Pinchbeck GL, Marshall N, Roberts L, Hughes GL, Radford AD, Patterson EI. SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in dogs and cats in the United Kingdom. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:100011. [PMID: 34377997 PMCID: PMC8340563 DOI: 10.1016/j.crviro.2021.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Companion animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and sporadic cases of pet infections have occurred in the United Kingdom. Here we present the first large-scale serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in dogs and cats in the UK. Results are reported for 688 sera (454 canine, 234 feline) collected by a large veterinary diagnostic laboratory for routine haematology during three time periods; pre-COVID-19 (January 2020), during the first wave of UK human infections (April–May 2020) and during the second wave of UK human infections (September 2020–February 2021). Both pre-COVID-19 sera and those from the first wave tested negative. However, in sera collected during the second wave, 1.4% (n = 4) of dogs and 2.2% (n = 2) of cats tested positive for neutralising antibodies. The low numbers of animals testing positive suggests pet animals are unlikely to be a major reservoir for human infection in the UK. However, continued surveillance of in-contact susceptible animals should be performed as part of ongoing population health surveillance initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley L Smith
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Enyia R Anderson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Cintia Cansado-Utrilla
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Tessa Prince
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Sean Farrell
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Bethaney Brant
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Steven Smyth
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Peter-John M Noble
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Gina L Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Nikki Marshall
- Idexx Laboratories Ltd, Grange House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, LS22 7DN, UK
| | - Larry Roberts
- Idexx Laboratories Ltd, Grange House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, LS22 7DN, UK
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Alan D Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Edward I Patterson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
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53
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Giraldo-Ramirez S, Rendon-Marin S, Jaimes JA, Martinez-Gutierrez M, Ruiz-Saenz J. SARS-CoV-2 Clinical Outcome in Domestic and Wild Cats: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2056. [PMID: 34359182 PMCID: PMC8300124 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, it has been proved that SARS-CoV-2 has the ability to infect multiple species. This work was aimed at identifying the clinical signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic and wild felids. A PRISMA-based systematic review was performed on case reports on domestic and wild cats, reports on experimental infections, case reports in databases, preprints and published press releases. Descriptive statistical analysis of the data was performed. A total of 256 articles, 63 detailed official reports and 2 press articles on SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic and wild cats were analyzed, of which 19 articles and 65 reports were finally included. In domestic cats, most cats' infections are likely to be asymptomatic, and 46% of the reported infected animals were symptomatic and predominantly presented respiratory signs such as sneezing and coughing. In wild felines, respiratory clinical signs were most frequent, and up to 96.5% of the reported affected animals presented coughing. It is noteworthy that, to date, symptomatic animals with SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported to belong to two different subfamilies (Phanterinae and Felinae), with up to five different felid species affected within the Felidae family. Reported results evince that the signs developed in felids show similar progression to those occurring in humans, suggesting a relationship between the viral cycle and target tissues of the virus in different species. While viral transmission to humans in contact with animal populations has not been reported, spill-back could result in the emergence of immune-escape mutants that might pose a risk to public health. Despite the clear results in the identification of the typical clinical picture of SARS-CoV-2 infection in felines, the number of detailed academic reports and papers on the subject is scarce. Therefore, further description of these cases will allow for more accurate and statistically robust clinical approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Giraldo-Ramirez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales—GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia; (S.G.-R.); (S.R.-M.); (M.M.-G.)
| | - Santiago Rendon-Marin
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales—GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia; (S.G.-R.); (S.R.-M.); (M.M.-G.)
| | - Javier A. Jaimes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
| | - Marlen Martinez-Gutierrez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales—GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia; (S.G.-R.); (S.R.-M.); (M.M.-G.)
- Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín 050012, Colombia
| | - Julian Ruiz-Saenz
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales—GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia; (S.G.-R.); (S.R.-M.); (M.M.-G.)
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54
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Ekstrand K, Flanagan AJ, Lin IE, Vejseli B, Cole A, Lally AP, Morris RL, Morgan KN. Animal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the Welfare of Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2044. [PMID: 34359172 PMCID: PMC8300090 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The accelerated pace of research into Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) necessitates periodic summaries of current research. The present paper reviews virus susceptibilities in species with frequent human contact, and factors that are best predictors of virus susceptibility. Species reviewed were those in contact with humans through entertainment, pet, or agricultural trades, and for whom reports (either anecdotal or published) exist regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and/or the resulting disease state COVID-19. Available literature was searched using an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted engine, as well as via common databases, such as Web of Science and Medline. The present review focuses on susceptibility and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and polymorphisms in transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) that contribute to species differences. Dogs and pigs appear to have low susceptibility, while ferrets, mink, some hamster species, cats, and nonhuman primates (particularly Old World species) have high susceptibility. Precautions may therefore be warranted in interactions with such species, and more selectivity practiced when choosing appropriate species to serve as models for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda J. Flanagan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA;
| | - Ilyan E. Lin
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Brendon Vejseli
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Allicyn Cole
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
| | - Anna P. Lally
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
| | - Robert L. Morris
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Kathleen N. Morgan
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
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55
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Villanueva-Saz S, Giner J, Fernández A, Lacasta D, Ortín A, Ramos JJ, Ferrer LM, Ruiz de Arcaute M, Tobajas AP, Pérez MD, Verde M, Marteles D, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Pardo J, Santiago L, González-Ramírez AM, Macías-León J, García-García A, Taleb V, Lira-Navarrete E, Paño-Pardo JR, Ruíz H. Absence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Natural Environment Exposure in Sheep in Close Contact with Humans. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1984. [PMID: 34359111 PMCID: PMC8300300 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the zoonotic causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has caused a pandemic situation with millions of infected humans worldwide. Among domestic animals, there have been limited studies regarding the transmissibility and exposure to the infection in natural conditions. Some animals are exposed and/or susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as cats, ferrets and dogs. By contrast, there is no information about the susceptibility of ruminants to SARS-CoV-2. This study tested the antibody response in 90 ovine pre-pandemic serum samples and 336 sheep serum samples from the pandemic period (June 2020 to March 2021). In both cases, the animals were in close contact with a veterinary student community composed of more than 700 members. None of the serum samples analyzed was seroreactive based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike antigen. In this sense, no statistical difference was observed compared to the pre-pandemic sheep. Our results suggest that it seems unlikely that sheep could play a relevant role in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is the first study to report the absence of evidence of sheep exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Aurora Ortín
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Juan José Ramos
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Luis Miguel Ferrer
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Diana Marteles
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
- Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzada (LMA), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health, Zaragoza University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Andrés Manuel González-Ramírez
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - Javier Macías-León
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - Ana García-García
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - Víctor Taleb
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - Erandi Lira-Navarrete
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - José Ramón Paño-Pardo
- Infectious Disease Department, University Hospital Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
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56
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Stranieri A, Lauzi S, Giordano A, Galimberti L, Ratti G, Decaro N, Brioschi F, Lelli D, Gabba S, Amarachi NL, Lorusso E, Moreno A, Trogu T, Paltrinieri S. Absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in stray cats. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2089-2095. [PMID: 34170624 PMCID: PMC8446966 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
SARS‐CoV‐2 positive or seropositive owned cats have been reported worldwide. The detection of seropositive stray cats in the proximity of farms of infected minks, coupled with the demonstration of cat‐to‐cat transmission in experimental settings, raise the question whether stray cats may have an epidemiological role in the COVID‐19 pandemic and may act as sentinel for the circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in free roaming cats belonging to colonies located in an area highly affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and to correlate the results with the positivity rate in people sharing the same area. Interdigital, cutaneous, oropharyngeal, nasal and rectal swabs, as well as blood samples, were collected from 99 cats living in colonies and admitted to our hospital for neutering. This caseload corresponds to the 24.2% of the feline population living in the 25 sampled colonies and to the 5.6% of all the free‐roaming registered cats. The presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in swabs was assessed using real time RT‐PCR. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 serum antibodies were assessed using commercially available ELISA kits and confirmed by serum virus neutralization. In people, the SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity rate ranged from 3.0% to 5.1% (mean rate: 4.1%) and the seropositive rate from 12.1% to 16.3% (mean rate: 14.2%). Most of the colonies were in urban areas and resident cats had frequent contacts with external cats or people. A COVID‐19 positive caretaker was found, whereas all the cats were negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA and seronegative. Although the negative results cannot exclude previous infections followed by decrease of antibodies, this study suggests that colony cats do not have an important epidemiological role in SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission dynamics. Further studies on larger caseloads are warranted, also in the light of the emerging new viral variants, on a One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Galimberti
- Agenzia di Tutela della Salute - ATS città metropolitana di Milano Distretto Veterinario Alto Lodigiano, Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ratti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Brioschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Ndiana Linda Amarachi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lorusso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Ana Moreno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
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57
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Smith SL, Anderson ER, Cansado-Utrilla C, Prince T, Farrell S, Brant B, Smyth S, Noble PJM, Pinchbeck GL, Marshall N, Roberts L, Hughes GL, Radford AD, Patterson EI. SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in Dogs and Cats in the United Kingdom. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34189526 PMCID: PMC8240679 DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.23.449594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Companion animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and sporadic cases of pet infections have occurred in the United Kingdom. Here we present the first large-scale serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in dogs and cats in the UK. Results are reported for 688 sera (454 canine, 234 feline) collected by a large veterinary diagnostic laboratory for routine haematology during three time periods; pre-COVID-19 (January 2020), during the first wave of UK human infections (April-May 2020) and during the second wave of UK human infections (September 2020-February 2021). Both pre-COVID-19 sera and those from the first wave tested negative. However, in sera collected during the second wave, 1.4% (n=4) of dogs and 2.2% (n=2) cats tested positive for neutralising antibodies. The low numbers of animals testing positive suggests pet animals are unlikely to be a major reservoir for human infection in the UK. However, continued surveillance of in-contact susceptible animals should be performed as part of ongoing population health surveillance initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley L Smith
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Enyia R Anderson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Cintia Cansado-Utrilla
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Tessa Prince
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Sean Farrell
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Bethaney Brant
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Stephen Smyth
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Peter-John M Noble
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Gina L Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Nikki Marshall
- Idexx Laboratories Ltd, Grange House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby LS22 7DN
| | - Larry Roberts
- Idexx Laboratories Ltd, Grange House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby LS22 7DN
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Alan D Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Edward I Patterson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.,Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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58
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Pereira A, Maia C. Leishmania infection in cats and feline leishmaniosis: An updated review with a proposal of a diagnosis algorithm and prevention guidelines. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100035. [PMID: 35284863 PMCID: PMC8906079 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to vertebrates, including cats, through the bites of female phlebotomine sand flies. An increasing number of epidemiological and experimental studies concerning Leishmania infection in cats, as well as case reports of clinical leishmaniosis in these felids, have been published in recent years. In the present study, a comprehensive review was made by sourcing the National Library of Medicine resources to provide updated data on epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of feline leishmaniosis. Cats were found infected with Leishmania parasites worldwide, and feline leishmaniosis appears as an emergent disease mostly reported in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and in Brazil. Cats with impaired immunocompetence seem to have a higher risk to develop clinical disease. The main clinical and clinicopathological findings are dermatological lesions and hypergammaglobulinemia, respectively. Diagnosis of feline leishmaniosis remains a challenge for veterinarians, in part due to the lack of diagnosis support systems. For this reason, a diagnostic algorithm for clinical decision support is herein proposed. No evidence-based treatment protocols are currently available, and these remain empirically based. Control measures are limited and scarce. Thus, a set of prevention guidelines are herein suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
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