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Goll A, Krupińska M, Nowicka J, Baranowicz K, Rabalski L, Lass A, Gorska A, Sironen T, Kant R, Grzybek M. Wild red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) do not participate in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Poland. One Health 2024; 19:100845. [PMID: 39071484 PMCID: PMC11278590 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100845] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomonitoring is an essential activity for identifying possible vectors and reservoirs of pathogens and predicting potential outbreaks. Wild red foxes are present in both sylvatic and synanthropic environments, making them potential carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Experimental studies have shown that both coyotes and red foxes can transmit SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in wild red foxes hunted in northern Poland. METHODS Oral swabs, blood clots or heat tissue samples were collected from 292 red foxes hunted in northern Poland. We used both molecular (RT-PCR) and serological (IFA) approaches to detect SARS-CoV-2 infections in the sampled animals. RESULTS We did not find any evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the collected samples, using both molecular and serological methods. CONCLUSIONS Despite foxes having frequent contact with humans, human waste, and other animals, they do not appear to participate in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in our geographical region. Nevertheless, we believe that continuous biomonitoring should be performed to assess the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological situation in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Goll
- Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Martyna Krupińska
- Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Joanna Nowicka
- Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Karolina Baranowicz
- Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Lukasz Rabalski
- Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Pulawy, Poland
| | - Anna Lass
- Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gorska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ravi Kant
- Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
- Department of Virology, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maciej Grzybek
- Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
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Zhao J, Kang M, Wu H, Sun B, Baele G, He WT, Lu M, Suchard MA, Ji X, He N, Su S, Veit M. Risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 replicating and evolving in animals. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:79-92. [PMID: 37541811 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.07.002] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The retransmissions of SARS-CoV-2 from several mammals - primarily mink and white-tailed deer - to humans have raised concerns for the emergence of a new animal-derived SARS-CoV-2 variant to worsen the pandemic. Here, we discuss animal species that are susceptible to natural or experimental infection with SARS-CoV-2 and can transmit the virus to mates or humans. We describe cutting-edge techniques to assess the impact of a mutation in the viral spike (S) protein on its receptor and on antibody binding. Our review of spike sequences of animal-derived viruses identified nine unique amino acid exchanges in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that are not present in any variant of concern (VOC). These mutations are present in SARS-CoV-2 found in companion animals such as dogs and cats, and they exhibit a higher frequency in SARS-CoV-2 found in mink and white-tailed deer, suggesting that sustained transmissions may contribute to maintaining novel mutations. Four of these exchanges, such as Leu452Met, could undermine acquired immune protection in humans while maintaining high affinity for the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Finally, we discuss important avenues of future research into animal-derived viruses with public health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Kang
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Clinical Research Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyan Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wan-Ting He
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Meng Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Marc A Suchard
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiang Ji
- Department of Mathematics, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Na He
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Su
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Michael Veit
- Institute for Virology, Center for Infection Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Ghai RR, Straily A, Wineland N, Calogero J, Stobierski MG, Signs K, Blievernicht M, Torres-Mendoza Y, Waltenburg MA, Condrey JA, Blankenship HM, Riner D, Barr N, Schalow M, Goodrich J, Collins C, Ahmad A, Metz JM, Herzegh O, Straka K, Arsnoe DM, Duffiney AG, Shriner SA, Kainulainen MH, Carpenter A, Whitehill F, Wendling NM, Stoddard RA, Retchless AC, Uehara A, Tao Y, Li Y, Zhang J, Tong S, Barton Behravesh C. Epidemiologic and Genomic Evidence for Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among People and Animals on a Michigan Mink Farm, United States, 2020. Viruses 2023; 15:2436. [PMID: 38140677 PMCID: PMC10747742 DOI: 10.3390/v15122436] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Farmed mink are one of few animals in which infection with SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in sustained transmission among a population and spillback from mink to people. In September 2020, mink on a Michigan farm exhibited increased morbidity and mortality rates due to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We conducted an epidemiologic investigation to identify the source of initial mink exposure, assess the degree of spread within the facility's overall mink population, and evaluate the risk of further viral spread on the farm and in surrounding wildlife habitats. Three farm employees reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19 the same day that increased mortality rates were observed among the mink herd. One of these individuals, and another asymptomatic employee, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) 9 days later. All but one mink sampled on the farm were positive for SARS-CoV-2 based on nucleic acid detection from at least one oral, nasal, or rectal swab tested by RT-qPCR (99%). Sequence analysis showed high degrees of similarity between sequences from mink and the two positive farm employees. Epidemiologic and genomic data, including the presence of F486L and N501T mutations believed to arise through mink adaptation, support the hypothesis that the two employees with SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection contracted COVID-19 from mink. However, the specific source of virus introduction onto the farm was not identified. Three companion animals living with mink farm employees and 31 wild animals of six species sampled in the surrounding area were negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. Results from this investigation support the necessity of a One Health approach to manage the zoonotic spread of SARS-CoV-2 and underscores the critical need for multifaceted public health approaches to prevent the introduction and spread of respiratory viruses on mink farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria R. Ghai
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Anne Straily
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Nora Wineland
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
| | - Jennifer Calogero
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
| | | | - Kimberly Signs
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI 48909, USA
| | - Melissa Blievernicht
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
| | | | | | - Jillian A. Condrey
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | | | - Diana Riner
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI 48909, USA
| | - Nancy Barr
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
| | - Michele Schalow
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
| | - Jarold Goodrich
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
| | - Cheryl Collins
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
| | - Ausaf Ahmad
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - John Michael Metz
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Owen Herzegh
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Kelly Straka
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI 48909, USA
| | - Dustin M. Arsnoe
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250, USA
| | - Anthony G. Duffiney
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250, USA
| | - Susan A. Shriner
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Washington, DC 20250, USA
| | | | - Ann Carpenter
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Florence Whitehill
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Natalie M. Wendling
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Robyn A. Stoddard
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Adam C. Retchless
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Anna Uehara
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Ying Tao
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Yan Li
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Jing Zhang
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
| | - Suxiang Tong
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.R.G.)
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Grzybek M, Kakkola L, Sironen T, Kant R. Emerging Microbes, Infections, and Spillovers: Charting a Path Forward. Viruses 2023; 15:2392. [PMID: 38140633 PMCID: PMC10748349 DOI: 10.3390/v15122392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In an age defined by rapid globalization and unprecedented technological advancements, the field of infectious diseases stands at the intersection of complex challenges and promising opportunities [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Grzybek
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland;
| | - Laura Kakkola
- Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland;
- Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ravi Kant
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland;
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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Nooruzzaman M, Diel DG. Infection Dynamics, Pathogenesis, and Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Naturally Susceptible Animal Species. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1195-1201. [PMID: 37782853 PMCID: PMC10558081 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a broad host range. Domestic cats and white-tailed deer (WTD) are particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 with multiple variant strains being associated with infections in these species. The virus replicates in the upper respiratory tract and in associated lymphoid tissues, and it is shed through oral and nasal secretions, which leads to efficient transmission of the virus to contact animals. Robust cell-mediated and humoral immune responses are induced upon infection in domestic cats, which curb the progression of clinical disease and are associated with control of infection. In WTD, high levels of neutralizing Abs are detected early upon infection. In this review, the current understanding of the infection dynamics, pathogenesis, and immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals, with special focus on naturally susceptible felids and WTD, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nooruzzaman
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
| | - Diego G. Diel
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Adlhoch C, Aznar I, Baldinelli F, Boklund A, Broglia A, Gerhards N, Mur L, Nannapaneni P, Ståhl K. SARS-CoV-2 in animals: susceptibility of animal species, risk for animal and public health, monitoring, prevention and control. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07822. [PMID: 36860662 PMCID: PMC9968901 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in humans and animals is continually evolving. To date, animal species known to transmit SARS-CoV-2 are American mink, raccoon dog, cat, ferret, hamster, house mouse, Egyptian fruit bat, deer mouse and white-tailed deer. Among farmed animals, American mink have the highest likelihood to become infected from humans or animals and further transmit SARS-CoV-2. In the EU, 44 outbreaks were reported in 2021 in mink farms in seven MSs, while only six in 2022 in two MSs, thus representing a decreasing trend. The introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into mink farms is usually via infected humans; this can be controlled by systematically testing people entering farms and adequate biosecurity. The current most appropriate monitoring approach for mink is the outbreak confirmation based on suspicion, testing dead or clinically sick animals in case of increased mortality or positive farm personnel and the genomic surveillance of virus variants. The genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 showed mink-specific clusters with a potential to spill back into the human population. Among companion animals, cats, ferrets and hamsters are those at highest risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which most likely originates from an infected human, and which has no or very low impact on virus circulation in the human population. Among wild animals (including zoo animals), mostly carnivores, great apes and white-tailed deer have been reported to be naturally infected by SARS-CoV-2. In the EU, no cases of infected wildlife have been reported so far. Proper disposal of human waste is advised to reduce the risks of spill-over of SARS-CoV-2 to wildlife. Furthermore, contact with wildlife, especially if sick or dead, should be minimised. No specific monitoring for wildlife is recommended apart from testing hunter-harvested animals with clinical signs or found-dead. Bats should be monitored as a natural host of many coronaviruses.
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Rao SS, Parthasarathy K, Sounderrajan V, Neelagandan K, Anbazhagan P, Chandramouli V. Susceptibility of SARS Coronavirus-2 infection in domestic and wild animals: a systematic review. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:5. [PMID: 36514483 PMCID: PMC9741861 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals and viruses have constantly been co-evolving under natural circumstances and pandemic like situations. They harbour harmful viruses which can spread easily. In the recent times we have seen pandemic like situations being created as a result of the spread of deadly and fatal viruses. Coronaviruses (CoVs) are one of the wellrecognized groups of viruses. There are four known genera of Coronavirus family namely, alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), and delta (δ). Animals have been infected with CoVs belonging to all four genera. In the last few decades the world has witnessed an emergence of severe acute respiratory syndromes which had created a pandemic like situation such as SARS CoV, MERS-CoV. We are currently in another pandemic like situation created due to the uncontrolled spread of a similar coronavirus namely SARSCoV-2. These findings are based on a small number of animals and do not indicate whether animals can transmit disease to humans. Several mammals, including cats, dogs, bank voles, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, mink, pigs, rabbits, racoon dogs, and white-tailed deer, have been found to be infected naturally by the virus. Certain laboratory discoveries revealed that animals such as cats, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, racoon dogs, and white-tailed deer can spread the illness to other animals of the same species. This review article gives insights on the current knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection and development in animals on the farm and in domestic community and their impact on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanarayani S. Rao
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600119 India
| | - Krupakar Parthasarathy
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600119 India
| | - Vignesh Sounderrajan
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600119 India
| | - K. Neelagandan
- Centre for Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bengaluru, India
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Abstract
Introduction Many countries have reported severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in mink, and transmission back to humans has raised the concern of novel variants emerging in these animals. The monitoring system on Polish mink farms detected SARS-CoV-2 infection first in January 2021 and has been kept in place since then. Material and Methods Oral swab samples collected between February 2021 and March 2022 from 11,853 mink from 594 farms in different regions of Poland were screened molecularly for SARS-CoV-2. Isolates from those with the highest loads of viral genetic material from positive farms were sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Serological studies were also carried out for one positive farm in order to follow the antibody response after infection. Results SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in mink on 11 farms in 8 out of 16 Polish administrative regions. Whole genome sequences were obtained for 19 SARS-CoV-2 strains from 10 out of 11 positive farms. These genomes belonged to four different variants of concern (VOC) - VOC-Gamma (20B), VOC-Delta (21J), VOC-Alpha (20I) and VOC-Omicron (21L) - and seven different Pango lineages - B.1.1.464, B.1.1.7, AY.43, AY.122, AY.126, B.1.617.2 and BA.2. One of the nucleotide and amino acid mutations specific for persistent strains found in the analysed samples was the Y453F host adaptation mutation. Serological testing of blood samples revealed a high rate of seroprevalence on the single mink farm studied. Conclusion Farmed mink are highly susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 of different lineages, including Omicron BA.2 VOC. As these infections were asymptomatic, mink may become an unnoticeable virus reservoir generating new variants potentially threatening human health. Therefore, real-time monitoring of mink is extremely important in the context of the One Health approach.
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Saied AA, Metwally AA. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns in animals: An unmonitored rising health threat. Virusdisease 2022; 33:466-476. [PMID: 36405954 PMCID: PMC9648878 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-022-00794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent findings have highlighted the urgency for rapidly detecting and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in companion and wild animals. The significance of active surveillance and genomic investigation on these animals could pave the way for more understanding of the viral circulation and how the variants emerge. It enables us to predict the next viral challenges and prepare for or prevent these challenges. Horrible neglect of this issue could make the COVID-19 pandemic a continuous threat. Continuing to monitor the animal-origin SARS-CoV-2, and tailoring prevention and control measures to avoid large-scale community transmission in the future caused by the virus leaping from animals to humans, is essential. The reliance on only developing vaccines with ignoring this strategy could cost us many lives. Here, we discuss the most recent data about the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) among animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdulRahman A. Saied
- National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Aswan Branch, 81511 Aswan, Egypt
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Aswan Office, 81511 Aswan, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A. Metwally
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, 81528 Aswan, Egypt
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Pappas G, Vokou D, Sainis I, Halley JM. SARS-CoV-2 as a Zooanthroponotic Infection: Spillbacks, Secondary Spillovers, and Their Importance. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2166. [PMID: 36363758 PMCID: PMC9696655 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the midst of a persistent pandemic of a probable zoonotic origin, one needs to constantly evaluate the interplay of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2) with animal populations. Animals can get infected from humans, and certain species, including mink and white-tailed deer, exhibit considerable animal-to-animal transmission resulting in potential endemicity, mutation pressure, and possible secondary spillover to humans. We attempt a comprehensive review of the available data on animal species infected by SARS-CoV-2, as presented in the scientific literature and official reports of relevant organizations. We further evaluate the lessons humans should learn from mink outbreaks, white-tailed deer endemicity, zoo outbreaks, the threat for certain species conservation, the possible implication of rodents in the evolution of novel variants such as Omicron, and the potential role of pets as animal reservoirs of the virus. Finally, we outline the need for a broader approach to the pandemic and epidemics, in general, incorporating the principles of One Health and Planetary Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pappas
- Institute of Continuing Medical Education of Ioannina, 45333 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Despoina Vokou
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sainis
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - John M. Halley
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Krupińska M, Borkowski J, Goll A, Nowicka J, Baranowicz K, Bourret V, Strandin T, Mäki S, Kant R, Sironen T, Grzybek M. Wild Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus) Do Not Play a Role as Vectors or Reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 in North-Eastern Poland. Viruses 2022; 14:2290. [PMID: 36298844 PMCID: PMC9610727 DOI: 10.3390/v14102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies reported a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among white-tailed deer in North America. Monitoring cervids in all regions to better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection and circulation in other deer populations has been urged. To evaluate deer exposure and/or infection to/by SARS-CoV-2 in Poland, we sampled 90 red deer shot by hunters in five hunting districts in north-eastern Poland. Serum and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected, and then an immunofluorescent assay (IFA) to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was performed as well as real-time PCR with reverse transcription for direct virus detection. No positive samples were detected. There is no evidence of spillover of SARS-CoV-2 from the human to deer population in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Krupińska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Jakub Borkowski
- Department of Forestry and Forest Ecology, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-727 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Aleksander Goll
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Joanna Nowicka
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Karolina Baranowicz
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Vincent Bourret
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- INRAE-Université de Toulouse UR 0035 CEFS, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Tomas Strandin
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Mäki
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ravi Kant
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maciej Grzybek
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland
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12
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No Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Wild Mink (Mustela lutreola and Neogale vison) from Northern Spain during the First Two Years of Pandemic. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151971. [PMID: 35953960 PMCID: PMC9367499 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a betacoronavirus (β-CoV) closely related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which have also caused severe outbreaks of disease in human populations. Human-to-animal transmission events during the COVID-19 pandemic have been documented in several countries. Different animal species have been proven to be susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 both naturally and by experimental infection, including mustelids such as ferrets, otters, and American mink (Neogale vison). In this sense, infected farmed American mink develop respiratory signs associated with viral pneumonia. This study evaluates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in European mink (Mustela lutreola) and American mink from Spain, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike protein antigen in serum samples and/or by RT-qPCR assays in oropharyngeal and rectal swabs. From January 2020 to February 2022, a total of 162 animals (127 European mink and 35 American mink) with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the study. Of the 126 serum samples analysed by serology, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were not detected in the mink included in this study. In the same way, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has not been detected in any of the 160 swabs samples analysed by RT-qPCR. This study shows the absence of the wild mink exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a geographic area seriously affected by COVID-19. With these results, it can be considered that the probability that the virus is circulating in wild mink is low. With this, the risk of virus transmission to humans by this route is also considered improbable. Abstract The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on wildlife is largely unevaluated, and extended surveillance of animal species is needed to reach a consensus on the role of animals in the emergence and maintenance of SARS-CoV-2. This infection has been detected in farmed and domestic animals and wild animals, mainly in captivity. The interactions or shared resources with wildlife could represent a potential transmission pathway for the SARS-CoV-2 spill over to other wild species and could lead to health consequences or the establishment of new reservoirs in susceptible hosts. This study evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in European mink (Mustela lutreola) and American mink (Neogale vison) in Spain by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike antigen in serum samples and/or by RT-qPCR assays in oropharyngeal and rectal swabs. From January 2020 to February 2022, a total of 162 animals (127 European mink and 35 American mink) with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the study. Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 were not found in the serum samples analysed (n = 126), nor was the virus amplified by RT-qPCR (n = 160 swabs). Our results suggest that the potential role of wild mink and the European mink bred in captivity and released to the wild as dispersers of SARS-CoV-2 is so far low. However, wildlife surveillance for early detection of human and animal risks should be continued. In this sense, epidemiological monitoring measures, including serology and molecular analysis, are necessary.
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Mullin S, Wyk BV, Asher JL, Compton SR, Allore HG, Zeiss CJ. Modeling pandemic to endemic patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission using parameters estimated from animal model data. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac096. [PMID: 35799833 PMCID: PMC9254158 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The contours of endemic coronaviral disease in humans and other animals are shaped by the tendency of coronaviruses to generate new variants superimposed upon nonsterilizing immunity. Consequently, patterns of coronaviral reinfection in animals can inform the emerging endemic state of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We generated controlled reinfection data after high and low risk natural exposure or heterologous vaccination to sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) in rats. Using deterministic compartmental models, we utilized in vivo estimates from these experiments to model the combined effects of variable transmission rates, variable duration of immunity, successive waves of variants, and vaccination on patterns of viral transmission. Using rat experiment-derived estimates, an endemic state achieved by natural infection alone occurred after a median of 724 days with approximately 41.3% of the population susceptible to reinfection. After accounting for translationally altered parameters between rat-derived data and human SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and after introducing vaccination, we arrived at a median time to endemic stability of 1437 (IQR = 749.25) days with a median 15.4% of the population remaining susceptible. We extended the models to introduce successive variants with increasing transmissibility and included the effect of varying duration of immunity. As seen with endemic coronaviral infections in other animals, transmission states are altered by introduction of new variants, even with vaccination. However, vaccination combined with natural immunity maintains a lower prevalence of infection than natural infection alone and provides greater resilience against the effects of transmissible variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mullin
- Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Brent Vander Wyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jennifer L Asher
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Susan R Compton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Heather G Allore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Caroline J Zeiss
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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14
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Mullin S, Wyk BV, Asher JL, Compton SR, Allore HG, Zeiss CJ. Modeling pandemic to endemic patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission using parameters estimated from animal model data. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac096. [PMID: 35799833 PMCID: PMC9254158 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac096;] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The contours of endemic coronaviral disease in humans and other animals are shaped by the tendency of coronaviruses to generate new variants superimposed upon nonsterilizing immunity. Consequently, patterns of coronaviral reinfection in animals can inform the emerging endemic state of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We generated controlled reinfection data after high and low risk natural exposure or heterologous vaccination to sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) in rats. Using deterministic compartmental models, we utilized in vivo estimates from these experiments to model the combined effects of variable transmission rates, variable duration of immunity, successive waves of variants, and vaccination on patterns of viral transmission. Using rat experiment-derived estimates, an endemic state achieved by natural infection alone occurred after a median of 724 days with approximately 41.3% of the population susceptible to reinfection. After accounting for translationally altered parameters between rat-derived data and human SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and after introducing vaccination, we arrived at a median time to endemic stability of 1437 (IQR = 749.25) days with a median 15.4% of the population remaining susceptible. We extended the models to introduce successive variants with increasing transmissibility and included the effect of varying duration of immunity. As seen with endemic coronaviral infections in other animals, transmission states are altered by introduction of new variants, even with vaccination. However, vaccination combined with natural immunity maintains a lower prevalence of infection than natural infection alone and provides greater resilience against the effects of transmissible variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mullin
- Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Brent Vander Wyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jennifer L Asher
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Susan R Compton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Heather G Allore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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15
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Saied AA. Besides human booster doses: Could vaccinating highly susceptible animals to SARS-CoV-2 be the needed urgent strategic step? – Correspondence. Int J Surg 2022; 104:106761. [PMID: 35798202 PMCID: PMC9252862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- AbdulRahman A Saied
- National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Aswan Branch, Aswan, 81511, Egypt; Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Aswan Office, Aswan, 81511, Egypt.
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Clair V, Chan E, Paiero A, Fraser E, Gunvaldsen R, Newhouse E. One Health response to SARS-CoV-2-associated risk from mink farming in British Columbia, Canada, October 2020 to October 2021. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2022; 48:261-273. [PMID: 37333574 PMCID: PMC10274535 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v48i06a04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background Mink farms are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks and carry an associated risk of novel SARS-CoV-2 variant emergence and non-human reservoir creation. In Denmark, control measures were insufficient to prevent onward transmission of a mink-associated variant, contributing to the nation-wide culling of farmed mink. To date, British Columbia (BC) is the only Canadian province to report mink farm SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. The objective of this study is to describe BC's One Health response to SARS-CoV-2-associated risk from mink farming, its outcomes, and insights from implementation. Methods The detection of two mink farm outbreaks in December 2020 catalyzed BC's risk mitigation response for both infected and uninfected farms, including the following: farm inspections and quarantines; Public Health Orders mandating mink mortality surveillance, enhanced personal protective equipment, biosafety measures and worker coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination, at-a-minimum weekly worker viral testing, and wildlife surveillance. Results A One Health approach enabled a timely, evidence-informed and coordinated response as the situation evolved, including the use of various legislative powers, consistent messaging and combined human and mink phylogenetic analysis. Ongoing mink and worker surveillance detected asymptomatic/subclinical infections and facilitated rapid isolation/quarantine to minimize onward transmission. Voluntary testing and mandatory vaccination for workers were acceptable to industry; enhanced personal protective equipment requirements were challenging. Regular farm inspections helped to assess and improve compliance. Conclusion British Columbia's One Health response reduced the risk of additional outbreaks, viral evolution and reservoir development; however, a third outbreak was detected in May 2021 despite implemented measures, and long-term sustainability of interventions proved challenging for both industry and governmental agencies involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronic Clair
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Elaine Chan
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- Canadian Field Epidemiology Program, Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | | | - Erin Fraser
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | | | - Emily Newhouse
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, BC
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Chakraborty C, Bhattacharya M, Nandi SS, Mohapatra RK, Dhama K, Agoramoorthy G. Appearance and re-appearance of zoonotic disease during the pandemic period: Long-term monitoring and analysis of zoonosis is crucial to confirm the animal origin of SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus. Vet Q 2022; 42:119-124. [PMID: 35658858 PMCID: PMC9225752 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2022.2086718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, along with the SARS-CoV-2 infection, another zoonotic origin virus emerged: monkeypox virus. Researchers are trying to screen the wild animals to pinpoint the exact origin of these viruses in both cases. For SARS-CoV-2, scientists who were studying the zoonotic transfer of the virus are currently divided along four distinct lines: the first group suspects the pangolin as the source of the SARS-CoV-2 virus; the second one is the bat origin of the virus; the third group includes both the pangolins and bat, and fourth group informed about the origin of several other animals. Similarly, scientists have noted significant host ranges of the virus for the monkeypox virus, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, rodents, prairie dogs, etc. Therefore, we should understand some essential points of the zoonosis of these two important viruses, such as animal origin, natural reservoir, intermediate hosts, virus spillover events (spillover time, and frequency of infecting the one host to another or reservoir to human), etc. We appeal for long-term monitoring through the teamwork of scientists involving the fields of wildlife biology, veterinary medicine,molecular biology, virology, health science, and computational biology. It is essential to create an integrated multi-national scientific task force with adequate funding from all countries originating in the regions of these two viruses. It could explore the mechanisms involving not only the SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus origin, host range, and all spillover events of these viruses but also the future outbreak of wildlife-based epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Shyam Sundar Nandi
- ICMR-National Institute of Virology, (Mumbai unit), Indian Council of Medical Research, Haffkine Institute Compound, A. D. Marg, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Ranjan K Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar, 758002, Odisha, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Govindasamy Agoramoorthy
- College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Yanpu, Pingtung 907, Taiwan;,Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA), Bengaluru, India
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18
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Kettenburg G, Kistler A, Ranaivoson HC, Ahyong V, Andrianiaina A, Andry S, DeRisi JL, Gentles A, Raharinosy V, Randriambolamanantsoa TH, Ravelomanantsoa NAF, Tato CM, Dussart P, Heraud JM, Brook CE. Full Genome Nobecovirus Sequences From Malagasy Fruit Bats Define a Unique Evolutionary History for This Coronavirus Clade. Front Public Health 2022; 10:786060. [PMID: 35223729 PMCID: PMC8873168 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.786060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are natural reservoirs for both Alpha- and Betacoronaviruses and the hypothesized original hosts of five of seven known zoonotic coronaviruses. To date, the vast majority of bat coronavirus research has been concentrated in Asia, though coronaviruses are globally distributed; indeed, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2-related Betacoronaviruses in the subgenus Sarbecovirus have been identified circulating in Rhinolophid bats in both Africa and Europe, despite the relative dearth of surveillance in these regions. As part of a long-term study examining the dynamics of potentially zoonotic viruses in three species of endemic Madagascar fruit bat (Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, Rousettus madagascariensis), we carried out metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) on urine, throat, and fecal samples obtained from wild-caught individuals. We report detection of RNA derived from Betacoronavirus subgenus Nobecovirus in fecal samples from all three species and describe full genome sequences of novel Nobecoviruses in P. rufus and R. madagascariensis. Phylogenetic analysis indicates the existence of five distinct Nobecovirus clades, one of which is defined by the highly divergent ancestral sequence reported here from P. rufus bats. Madagascar Nobecoviruses derived from P. rufus and R. madagascariensis demonstrate, respectively, Asian and African phylogeographic origins, mirroring those of their fruit bat hosts. Bootscan recombination analysis indicates significant selection has taken place in the spike, nucleocapsid, and NS7 accessory protein regions of the genome for viruses derived from both bat hosts. Madagascar offers a unique phylogeographic nexus of bats and viruses with both Asian and African phylogeographic origins, providing opportunities for unprecedented mixing of viral groups and, potentially, recombination. As fruit bats are handled and consumed widely across Madagascar for subsistence, understanding the landscape of potentially zoonotic coronavirus circulation is essential for mitigation of future zoonotic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenddolen Kettenburg
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amy Kistler
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hafaliana Christian Ranaivoson
- Department of Zoology and Animal Biodiversity, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Vida Ahyong
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Angelo Andrianiaina
- Department of Zoology and Animal Biodiversity, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Santino Andry
- Department of Entomology, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Anecia Gentles
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Philippe Dussart
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Jean-Michel Heraud
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cara E. Brook
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Cara E. Brook
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