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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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Liang BP, Wingett K, Bosward KL, Taylor MR. Communicating the risks of handling bats: analysing approaches used by Australian stakeholders in the context of Australian bat lyssavirus. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:430-439. [PMID: 37661860 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13277] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a member of the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family and is found in Australian bat species. It is of public health concern because of the rabies-like syndrome it causes in humans, resulting in government health and wildlife agencies using varied communication approaches to inform targeted audiences about zoonotic risks associated with handling bats. Despite these warnings, the number of reports of human-bat interactions remains high. This paper details a survey conducted to analyse the approaches utilised by a range of stakeholders to educate and communicate warnings to their target audiences. The survey focused on identifying the target audiences, communication methods used, along with the message frequency, content, and perceived effectiveness. Analysis of the top three messages delivered by stakeholders revealed that over half were information-focused messages and over a third, instruction-focused. Stakeholders identified the need to balance messaging about bat handling risks with information regarding the vulnerable status of bats and their environmental significance. Whilst the most common and (perceived) effective method of communication was one-on-one discussions, it was also identified to be ineffective for targeting mass audiences leading stakeholders to recognise the need to adapt to more efficient means of communication. The outcomes of this study may be useful to improve risk communication strategies regarding ABLV in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Liang
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Wingett
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K L Bosward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M R Taylor
- The Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Leopardi S, Desiato R, Mazzucato M, Orusa R, Obber F, Averaimo D, Berjaoui S, Canziani S, Capucchio MT, Conti R, di Bella S, Festa F, Garofalo L, Lelli D, Madrau MP, Mandola ML, Moreno Martin AM, Peletto S, Pirani S, Robetto S, Torresi C, Varotto M, Citterio C, Terregino C. One health surveillance strategy for coronaviruses in Italian wildlife. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e96. [PMID: 37263583 PMCID: PMC10282179 DOI: 10.1017/s095026882300081x] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent reinforcement of CoV surveillance in animals fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic provided increasing evidence that mammals other than bats might hide further diversity and play critical roles in human infectious diseases. This work describes the results of a two-year survey carried out in Italy with the double objective of uncovering CoV diversity associated with wildlife and of excluding the establishment of a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 in particularly susceptible or exposed species. The survey targeted hosts from five different orders and was harmonised across the country in terms of sample size, target tissues, and molecular test. Results showed the circulation of 8 CoV species in 13 hosts out of the 42 screened. Coronaviruses were either typical of the host species/genus or normally associated with their domestic counterpart. Two novel viruses likely belonging to a novel CoV genus were found in mustelids. All samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2, with minimum detectable prevalence ranging between 0.49% and 4.78% in the 13 species reaching our threshold sample size of 59 individuals. Considering that within-species transmission in white-tailed deer resulted in raising the prevalence from 5% to 81% within a few months, this result would exclude a sustained cycle after spillback in the tested species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Leopardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Rosanna Desiato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Quart, Italy
| | - Matteo Mazzucato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Riccardo Orusa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Quart, Italy
- National Reference Center Wildlife Diseases, Aosta Valley, Quart, Italy
| | - Federica Obber
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Averaimo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Shadia Berjaoui
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Sabrina Canziani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Capucchio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Centro Animali Non Convenzionali (C.A.N.C), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Conti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Lazio e Toscana, Roma, Italy
| | - Santina di Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Festa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Luisa Garofalo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Lazio e Toscana, Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
- Molecular Medicine PhD Program, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Maria Lucia Mandola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Quart, Italy
| | | | - Simone Peletto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Quart, Italy
| | - Silvia Pirani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Umbria e Marche, Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Robetto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Quart, Italy
| | - Claudia Torresi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Umbria e Marche, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Varotto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Carlo Citterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
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Becker DJ, Albery GF, Sjodin AR, Poisot T, Bergner LM, Chen B, Cohen LE, Dallas TA, Eskew EA, Fagre AC, Farrell MJ, Guth S, Han BA, Simmons NB, Stock M, Teeling EC, Carlson CJ. Optimising predictive models to prioritise viral discovery in zoonotic reservoirs. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2022; 3:e625-e637. [PMID: 35036970 PMCID: PMC8747432 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00245-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the global investment in One Health disease surveillance, it remains difficult and costly to identify and monitor the wildlife reservoirs of novel zoonotic viruses. Statistical models can guide sampling target prioritisation, but the predictions from any given model might be highly uncertain; moreover, systematic model validation is rare, and the drivers of model performance are consequently under-documented. Here, we use the bat hosts of betacoronaviruses as a case study for the data-driven process of comparing and validating predictive models of probable reservoir hosts. In early 2020, we generated an ensemble of eight statistical models that predicted host-virus associations and developed priority sampling recommendations for potential bat reservoirs of betacoronaviruses and bridge hosts for SARS-CoV-2. During a time frame of more than a year, we tracked the discovery of 47 new bat hosts of betacoronaviruses, validated the initial predictions, and dynamically updated our analytical pipeline. We found that ecological trait-based models performed well at predicting these novel hosts, whereas network methods consistently performed approximately as well or worse than expected at random. These findings illustrate the importance of ensemble modelling as a buffer against mixed-model quality and highlight the value of including host ecology in predictive models. Our revised models showed an improved performance compared with the initial ensemble, and predicted more than 400 bat species globally that could be undetected betacoronavirus hosts. We show, through systematic validation, that machine learning models can help to optimise wildlife sampling for undiscovered viruses and illustrates how such approaches are best implemented through a dynamic process of prediction, data collection, validation, and updating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anna R Sjodin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Timothée Poisot
- Université de Montréal, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura M Bergner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Medical Research Centre, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Binqi Chen
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lily E Cohen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tad A Dallas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Department of Biology, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Anna C Fagre
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Bat Health Foundation, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Maxwell J Farrell
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Guth
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Barbara A Han
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY, USA
| | - Nancy B Simmons
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michiel Stock
- Research Unit Knowledge-based Systems, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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5
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Dakroub H, Russo D, Cistrone L, Serra F, Fusco G, De Carlo E, Amoroso MG. A First Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Circulation in Bats of Central-Southern Italy. Pathogens 2022; 11:742. [PMID: 35889988 PMCID: PMC9319265 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
One serious concern associated with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is that the virus might spill back from humans to wildlife, which would render some animal species reservoirs of the human virus. We assessed the potential circulation of SARS-CoV-2 caused by reverse infection from humans to bats, by performing bat surveillance from different sites in Central-Southern Italy. We restricted our survey to sampling techniques that are minimally invasive and can therefore be broadly applied by non-medical operators such as bat workers. We collected 240 droppings or saliva from 129 bats and tested them using specific and general primers for SARS-CoV-2 and coronaviruses, respectively. All samples (127 nasal swabs and 113 faecal droppings) were negative for SARS-CoV-2, and these results were confirmed by testing the samples with the Droplet Digital PCR. Additionally, pancoronavirus end-point RT-PCR was performed, and no sample showed specific bands. This outcome is a first step towards a better understanding of the reverse transmission of this virus to bats. Although the occurrence of a reverse zoonotic pattern can only be fully established by serological testing, the latter might represent an in-depth follow-up to a broad-scale preliminary assessment performed with our approach. We encourage the systematic surveillance of bats to help prevent reverse zoonotic episodes that would jeopardize human health, as well as biodiversity conservation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Dakroub
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (H.D.); (D.R.)
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute,2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Danilo Russo
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (H.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Luca Cistrone
- Forestry and Conservation, Via Botticelli, 14, 03043 Cassino, Italy;
| | - Francesco Serra
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute,2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute,2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Esterina De Carlo
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute,2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Amoroso
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute,2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (F.S.); (G.F.); (E.D.C.)
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6
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Chen T, Wang H. Consumers' purchase intention of wild freshwater fish during the COVID-19 pandemic. AGRIBUSINESS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 38:AGR21756. [PMID: 35942030 PMCID: PMC9349920 DOI: 10.1002/agr.21756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the wildlife trade in the seafood market in Wuhan has raised public concern regarding wildlife consumption and public health safety. Considering several coronavirus transmission incidents related to aquatic products and the location of wild freshwater fish in aquatic consumption in China, the effects of COVID-19 on the purchase intention of wild freshwater fish was investigated. Based on 1163 online questionnaires from eight provinces (including two province-level municipalities) in the Yangtze River Basin, ordered logistic regression was carried out to analyze the influencing factors of purchase intention of wild freshwater fish during the COVID-19 pandemic. The empirical results indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic had changed consumers' perceived risk and purchase frequency of wild freshwater fish. External stimulus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic had little influence on perceived risk and purchase intention. Consumer preference had a significant impact on perceived risk and purchase intention. Therefore, efforts should be put to strengthen the popularization of aquatic product knowledge, guide the public to develop scientific and civic eating habits, and improve the traceability system of aquatic products. [EconLit Citations: D12-Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis, Q22-Fishery; Aquaculture].
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinggui Chen
- School of Economics and ManagementShanghai Ocean UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Economics and ManagementShanghai Ocean UniversityShanghaiChina
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7
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Allendorf V, Denzin N, Conraths FJ, Boden LA, Elvinger F, Magouras I, Stegeman A, Wood JL, Urueña AC, Grace KE, Stärk KD. Does having a cat in your house increase your risk of catching COVID-19? One Health 2022; 14:100381. [PMID: 35356102 PMCID: PMC8950096 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the zoonotic origin of SARS-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the potential for its transmission from humans back to animals and the possibility that it might establish ongoing infection pathways in other animal species has been discussed. Cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and were shown experimentally to transmit the virus to other cats. Infection of cats has been widely reported. Domestic cats in COVID-19-positive households could therefore be a part of a human to animal to human transmission pathway. Here, we report the results of a qualitative risk assessment focusing on the potential of cat to human transmission in such settings. The assessment was based on evidence available by October 2021. After the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 to a household by a human, cats may become infected and infected cats may pose an additional infection risk for other members of the household. In order to assess this additional risk qualitatively, expert opinion was elicited within the framework of a modified Delphi procedure. The conclusion was that the additional risk of infection of an additional person in a household associated with keeping a domestic cat is very low to negligible, depending on the intensity of cat-to-human interactions. The separation of cats from humans suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection should contribute to preventing further transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Allendorf
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of International Animal Health & One Health, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Nicolai Denzin
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Lisa A. Boden
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - François Elvinger
- Cornell University, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Science, Ithaca, USA
| | - Ioannis Magouras
- City University of Hong Kong, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Universiteit Utrecht, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - James L.N. Wood
- Disease Dynamics Unit, University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Katharina D.C. Stärk
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV), Department of Animal Health, Bern, Switzerland
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Korath ADJ, Janda J, Untersmayr E, Sokolowska M, Feleszko W, Agache I, Adel Seida A, Hartmann K, Jensen‐Jarolim E, Pali‐Schöll I. One Health: EAACI Position Paper on coronaviruses at the human-animal interface, with a specific focus on comparative and zoonotic aspects of SARS-CoV-2. Allergy 2022; 77:55-71. [PMID: 34180546 PMCID: PMC8441637 DOI: 10.1111/all.14991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The latest outbreak of a coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), evolved into a worldwide pandemic with massive effects on health, quality of life, and economy. Given the short period of time since the outbreak, there are several knowledge gaps on the comparative and zoonotic aspects of this new virus. Within the One Health concept, the current EAACI position paper dwells into the current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2's receptors, symptoms, transmission routes for human and animals living in close vicinity to each other, usefulness of animal models to study this disease and management options to avoid intra- and interspecies transmission. Similar pandemics might appear unexpectedly and more frequently in the near future due to climate change, consumption of exotic foods and drinks, globe-trotter travel possibilities, the growing world population, the decreasing production space, declining room for wildlife and free-ranging animals, and the changed lifestyle including living very close to animals. Therefore, both the society and the health authorities need to be aware and well prepared for similar future situations, and research needs to focus on prevention and fast development of treatment options (medications, vaccines).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D. J. Korath
- Comparative MedicineInteruniversity Messerli Research InstituteUniversity of Veterinary Medicine and Medical University ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jozef Janda
- Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Eva Untersmayr
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Milena Sokolowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF),University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Paediatric Allergy and PulmonologyThe Medical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | | | - Ahmed Adel Seida
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineCairo UniversityCairoEgypt
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische KleintierklinikZentrum für Klinische TiermedizinLMUMunichGermany
| | - Erika Jensen‐Jarolim
- Comparative MedicineInteruniversity Messerli Research InstituteUniversity of Veterinary Medicine and Medical University ViennaViennaAustria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Isabella Pali‐Schöll
- Comparative MedicineInteruniversity Messerli Research InstituteUniversity of Veterinary Medicine and Medical University ViennaViennaAustria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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Islam A, Ferdous J, Sayeed MA, Islam S, Kaisar Rahman M, Abedin J, Saha O, Hassan MM, Shirin T. Spatial epidemiology and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses in domestic and wild animals. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260635. [PMID: 34910734 PMCID: PMC8673647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) showed susceptibility to diverse animal species. We conducted this study to understand the spatial epidemiology, genetic diversity, and statistically significant genetic similarity along with per-gene recombination events of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses (SC2r-CoVs) in animals globally. We collected a number of different animal species infected with SARS-CoV-2 and its related viruses. Then, we retrieved genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 and SC2r-CoVs from GISAID and NCBI GenBank for genomic and mutational analysis. Although the evolutionary origin of SARS-CoV-2 remains elusive, the diverse SC2r-CoV have been detected in multiple Rhinolophus bat species and in Malayan pangolin. To date, human-to-animal spillover events have been reported in cat, dog, tiger, lion, gorilla, leopard, ferret, puma, cougar, otter, and mink in 25 countries. Phylogeny and genetic recombination events of SC2r-CoVs showed higher similarity to the bat coronavirus RaTG13 and BANAL-103 for most of the genes and to some Malayan pangolin coronavirus (CoV) strains for the N protein from bats and pangolin showed close resemblance to SARS-CoV-2. The clustering of animal and human strains from the same geographical area has proved human-to-animal transmission of the virus. The Alpha, Delta and Mu-variant of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in dog, gorilla, lion, tiger, otter, and cat in the USA, India, Czech Republic, Belgium, and France with momentous genetic similarity with human SARS-CoV-2 sequences. The mink variant mutation (spike_Y453F) was detected in both humans and domestic cats. Moreover, the dog was affected mostly by clade O (66.7%), whereas cat and American mink were affected by clade GR (31.6 and 49.7%, respectively). The α-variant was detected as 2.6% in cat, 4.8% in dog, 14.3% in tiger, 66.7% in gorilla, and 77.3% in lion. The highest mutations observed in mink where the substitution of D614G in spike (95.2%) and P323L in NSP12 (95.2%) protein. In dog, cat, gorilla, lion, and tiger, Y505H and Y453F were the common mutations followed by Y145del, Y144del, and V70I in S protein. We recommend vaccine provision for pet and zoo animals to reduce the chance of transmission in animals. Besides, continuous epidemiological and genomic surveillance of coronaviruses in animal host is crucial to find out the immediate ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 and to prevent future CoVs threats to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariful Islam
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jinnat Ferdous
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abu Sayeed
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shariful Islam
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Kaisar Rahman
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Josefina Abedin
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Otun Saha
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmina Shirin
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Isolation of a Novel Bat Rhabdovirus with Evidence of Human Exposure in China. mBio 2021; 13:e0287521. [PMID: 35164557 PMCID: PMC8844929 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02875-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are well-recognized reservoirs of zoonotic viruses. Several spillover events from bats to humans have been reported, causing severe epidemic or endemic diseases including severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV (MERS-CoV), henipaviruses, and filoviruses. In this study, a novel rhabdovirus species, provisionally named Rhinolophus rhabdovirus DPuer (DPRV), was identified from the horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus affinis) in Yunnan province, China, using next-generation sequencing. DPRV shedding in the spleen, liver, lung, and intestinal contents of wild bats with high viral loads was detected by real-time quantitative PCR, indicating that DPRV has tropism for multiple host tissues. Furthermore, DPRV can replicate in vitro in multiple mammalian cell lines, including BHK-21, A549, and MA104 cells, with the highest efficiency in hamster kidney cell line BHK-21, suggesting infectivity of DPRV in these cell line-derived hosts. Ultrastructure analysis revealed a characteristic bullet-shaped morphology and tightly clustered distribution of DPRV particles in the intracellular space. DPRV replicated efficiently in suckling mouse brains and caused death of suckling mice; death rates increased with passaging of DPRV in suckling mice. Moreover, 421 serum samples were collected from individuals who lived near the bat collection site and had fever symptoms within 1 year. DPRV-specific antibodies were detected in 20 (4.75%) human serum samples by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Furthermore, 10 (2.38%) serum samples were DPRV positive according to plaque reduction neutralization assay, which revealed potential transmission of DPRV from bats to humans and highlighted the potential public health risk. Potential vector association with DPRV was not found with negative viral RNA in bloodsucking arthropods. IMPORTANCE We identified a novel rhabdovirus from the horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus thomasi) in China with probable infectivity in humans. DPRV was isolated in vitro from several mammalian cell lines, indicating wide host tropism, excluding bats, of DPRV. DPRV replicated in the brains of suckling mice, and the death rate of suckling mice increased with passaging of DPRV in vivo. Serological tests indicated the possible infectivity of DPRV in humans and the potential transmission to humans. The present findings provide preliminary evidence for the potential risk of DPRV to public health. Additional studies with active surveillance are needed to address interspecies transmission and determine the pathogenicity of DPRV in humans.
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