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Thongyuan S, Thanongsaksrikul J, Srimanote P, Phongphaew W, Eiamcharoen P, Thengchaisri N, Bosco-Lauth A, Decaro N, Yodsheewan R. Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Cats during Five Waves of COVID-19 Epidemic in Thailand and Correlation with Human Outbreaks. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:761. [PMID: 38473145 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission was observed, including a veterinarian contracting COVID-19 through close contact with an infected cat, suggesting an atypical zoonotic transmission. This study investigated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats during human outbreaks and elucidated the correlation between cat infections and human epidemics. A total of 1107 cat serum samples were collected and screened for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a modified indirect ELISA human SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection kit. The samples were confirmed using a cPass™ neutralization test. The SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity rate was 22.67% (199/878), mirroring the trend observed in concomitant human case numbers. The waves of the epidemic and the provinces did not significantly impact ELISA-positive cats. Notably, Chon Buri exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99, p = 0.009) between positive cat sera and reported human case numbers. Additionally, the cPass™ neutralization test revealed a 3.99% (35/878) seropositivity rate. There were significant differences in numbers and proportions of positive cat sera between epidemic waves. In Samut Sakhon, a positive correlation (r = 1, p = 0.042) was noted between the proportion of positive cat sera and human prevalence. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance to comprehend SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in both human and feline populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suporn Thongyuan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumtani 12121, Thailand
| | - Potjanee Srimanote
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumtani 12121, Thailand
| | - Wallaya Phongphaew
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Piyaporn Eiamcharoen
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Naris Thengchaisri
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Angela Bosco-Lauth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3107 W Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Rungrueang Yodsheewan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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Nilsson MG, Santana Cordeiro MDC, Gonçalves ACA, Dos Santos Conzentino M, Huergo LF, Vicentini F, Reis JBL, Biondo AW, Kmetiuk LB, da Silva AV. High seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs: Age as risk factor for infection in shelter and foster home animals. Prev Vet Med 2024; 222:106094. [PMID: 38103433 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused 775 outbreaks in 29 animal species across 36 countries, including dogs, cats, ferrets, minks, non-human primates, white-tailed deer, and lions. Although transmission from owners to dogs has been extensively described, no study to date has also compared sheltered, foster home and owner dogs and associated risk factors. This study aimed to identify SARS-CoV-2 infection and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from sheltered, fostered, and owned dogs, associated with environmental and management risk factors. Serum samples and swabs were collected from each dog, and an epidemiological questionnaire was completed by the shelter manager, foster care, and owner. A total of 111 dogs, including 222 oropharyngeal and rectal swabs, tested negative by RT-qPCR. Overall, 18/89 (20.22%) dogs presented IgG antibodies against the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 by magnetic ELISA, while none showed a reaction to the Spike protein. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies showed an age-related association, with 4.16 chance of positivity in adult dogs when compared with young ones. High population density among dogs and humans, coupled with repeated COVID-19 exposure, emerged as potential risk factors in canine virus epidemiology. Dogs exhibited higher seropositivity rates in these contexts. Thus, we propose expanded seroepidemiological and molecular studies across species and scenarios, including shelter dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Guimarães Nilsson
- Graduate College of Animal Science in the Tropics, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), 40170-110 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Fernando Vicentini
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of the Recôncavo of Bahia (UFRB), 44430-622 Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Jeiza Botelho Leal Reis
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of the Recôncavo of Bahia (UFRB), 44430-622 Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), 81531-970 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba, Paraná 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Aristeu Vieira da Silva
- Zoonosis and Public Health Research Group, Earth and Environmental Science Modelling Graduate, State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), 44036-900 Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil.
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3
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Piewbang C, Poonsin P, Lohavicharn P, Punyathi P, Kesdangsakonwut S, Kasantikul T, Techangamsuwan S. Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs: Determination of viral loads, distributions, localizations, and pathology. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107070. [PMID: 37956819 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Instances of reverse zoonosis involving severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been documented in both controlled experiments and spontaneous cases. Although dogs are susceptible to infection, clinical significance is limited to mild or asymptomatic. Here, we investigate the fatal cases of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs in Thailand. Pathological findings of SARS-CoV-2-infected dogs reveal severe diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary hyalinization and fibrosis, and syncytial formation, together with minor lesions in brain and kidney. Employing reverse transcription-digital PCR, substantial viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in lung, kidney, brain, trachea, tonsil, tracheobronchial lymph node, liver, and intestine, respectively. Localization of SARS-CoV-2 within various tissues was examined through immunohistochemistry (IHC), where the co-localization of the viral spike protein and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor was illustrated using double IHC. SARS-CoV-2 localization was markedly identified in the epithelial cells of the lung, trachea, intestine and kidneys, and moderately presented in the salivary gland and gall bladder, where the co-localization with the ACE2 was also evident. Neurons in the brainstem where exhibited lymphocytic perivascular cuffing were also found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 in IHC testing, despite lacking ACE2 receptor expression. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 replication within the lungs of infected dogs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, visualizing free viral particles within the cytosol or the endoplasmic reticulum of syncytial cells within the lung. This study considerably expanded on the knowledge of the pathology associated with natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs, a scenario that is relatively infrequent but occasionally leads to fatal outcome. Furthermore, these findings suggest the potential utility of dogs as a model for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutchai Piewbang
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Animal Virome and Diagnostic Development Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panida Poonsin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Animal Virome and Diagnostic Development Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pattiya Lohavicharn
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Animal Virome and Diagnostic Development Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panitnan Punyathi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sawang Kesdangsakonwut
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Animal Virome and Diagnostic Development Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tanit Kasantikul
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Somporn Techangamsuwan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Animal Virome and Diagnostic Development Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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4
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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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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Rueda P, Bolea S, Pérez MD, Verde M, Yzuel A, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Pardo J, Santiago L, Fernández A, Arias M. The dynamics of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in cats naturally exposed to virus reveals an increase in antibody activity after re-infection. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2179-2184. [PMID: 36918467 PMCID: PMC10014409 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10087-0] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in humans. To date, little is known about the persistence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in animals under natural conditions, in particular susceptible pets such as cat. This study reports the detection and monitoring of the humoral response against SARS-CoV-2 including the detection of immunoglobulins G specific for receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and neutralizing antibodies by virus neutralization assay. Results showed that these antibodies last longer than 16 months in two naturally apparently healthy infected cats with the absence of clinicopathological findings during the follow-up. Moreover, re-infection is also possible with an important increase in virus neutralization test titers in both animals with no evident systemic signs found during each physical examination and with values of hematologic and biochemical parameters inside the normal reference intervals. Our results confirm a slow but progressive decrease of the kinetics and immunity of neutralizing antibodies in cats after the infection. Furthermore, similar to humans SARS-CoV-2 reinfection can stimulate an increase of the neutralizing antibodies determined by these two serological techniques in domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Marivi Martínez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pablo Rueda
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Bolea
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Fernández
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maykel Arias
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Recanatini C, GeurtsvanKessel CH, Pas SD, Broens EM, Maas M, van Mansfeld R, Mutsaers-van Oudheusden AJG, van Rijen M, Schippers EF, Stegeman A, Tami A, Veldkamp KE, Visser H, Voss A, Wegdam-Blans MCA, Wertheim HFL, Wever PC, Koopmans MPG, Kluytmans JAJW, Kluytmans-van den Bergh MFQ. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in Dutch hospitals after the 2020 first wave: a multicentre cross-sectional study with prospective follow-up. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:137. [PMID: 38031155 PMCID: PMC10688070 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01324-x] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to estimate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence and describe its determinants and associated symptoms among unvaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs) after the first wave of the pandemic. METHODS HCWs from 13 Dutch hospitals were screened for antibodies against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in June-July 2020 and after three months. Participants completed a retrospective questionnaire on determinants for occupational and community exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 experienced since January 2020. The seroprevalence was calculated per baseline characteristic and symptom at baseline and after follow-up. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for seropositivity were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS Among 2328 HCWs, 323 (13.9%) were seropositive at enrolment, 49 of whom (15%) reported no previous symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. During follow-up, only 1% of the tested participants seroconverted. Seroprevalence was higher in younger HCWs compared to the mid-age category (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07-2.18). Nurses (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.34-3.64) and administrative staff (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.02-3.43) had a higher seroprevalence than physicians. The highest seroprevalence was observed in HCWs in the emergency department (ED) (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.10-2.91), the lowest in HCWs in the intensive, high, or medium care units (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31-0.71). Chronic respiratory disease, smoking, and having a dog were independently associated with a lower seroprevalence, while HCWs with diabetes mellitus had a higher seroprevalence. In a multivariable model containing all self-reported symptoms since January 2020, altered smell and taste, fever, general malaise/fatigue, and muscle aches were positively associated with developing antibodies, while sore throat and chills were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS The SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in unvaccinated HCWs of 13 Dutch hospitals was 14% in June-July 2020 and remained stable after three months. A higher seroprevalence was observed in the ED and among nurses, administrative and young staff, and those with diabetes mellitus, while a lower seroprevalence was found in HCWs in intensive, high, or medium care, and those with self-reported lung disease, smokers, and dog owners. A history of altered smell or taste, fever, muscle aches and fatigue were independently associated with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in unvaccinated HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Recanatini
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Suzan D Pas
- Microvida Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Bravis Hospital, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Els M Broens
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martje Maas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bernhoven Hospital, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa van Mansfeld
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Miranda van Rijen
- Department of Infection Control, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Emile F Schippers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haga Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana Tami
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Ellen Veldkamp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah Visser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beatrix Hospital, Gorinchem, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Voss
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn C A Wegdam-Blans
- Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Hospital St. Jans Gasthuis, Weert, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Stichting PAMM, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Heiman F L Wertheim
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C Wever
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Marion P G Koopmans
- Viroscience Department, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A J W Kluytmans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Infection Control, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein F Q Kluytmans-van den Bergh
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Infection Control, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
- Amphia Academy Infectious Disease Foundation, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
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8
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Cordero-Ortiz M, Reséndiz-Sandoval M, Dehesa-Canseco F, Solís-Hernández M, Pérez-Sánchez J, Martínez-Borges C, Mata-Haro V, Hernández J. Development of a Multispecies Double-Antigen Sandwich ELISA Using N and RBD Proteins to Detect Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3487. [PMID: 38003105 PMCID: PMC10668785 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infects humans and a broad spectrum of animal species, such as pets, zoo animals, and nondomestic animals. Monitoring infection in animals is important in terms of the risk of interspecies transmission and the emergence of new viral variants. Economical, fast, efficient, and sensitive diagnostic tests are needed to analyze animal infection. Double-antigen sandwich ELISA has the advantage of being multispecies and can be used for detecting infections caused by pathogens that infect several animal hosts. This study aimed to develop a double-antigen sandwich ELISA using two SARS-CoV-2 proteins, N and RBD. We compared its performance, when using these proteins separately, with an indirect ELISA and with a surrogate virus neutralization test. Positive and negative controls from a cat population (n = 31) were evaluated to compare all of the tests. After confirming that double-antigen sandwich ELISA with both RBD and N proteins had the best performance (AUC= 88%), the cutoff was adjusted using positive and negative samples from cats, humans (n = 32) and guinea pigs (n = 3). The use of samples from tigers (n = 2) and rats (n = 51) showed good agreement with the results previously obtained using the microneutralization test. Additionally, a cohort of samples from dogs with unknown infection status was evaluated. These results show that using two SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the double-antigen sandwich ELISA increases its performance and turns it into a valuable assay with which to monitor previous infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 in different animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritza Cordero-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C., Hermosillo 83304, Sonora, Mexico; (M.C.-O.); (M.R.-S.)
| | - Mónica Reséndiz-Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C., Hermosillo 83304, Sonora, Mexico; (M.C.-O.); (M.R.-S.)
| | - Freddy Dehesa-Canseco
- Comisión México-Estados Unidos para la Prevención de la Fiebre Aftosa y otras Enfermedades Exóticas de los Animales (CPA), Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA), Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural (SADER), Ciudad de Mexico 05110, Mexico State, Mexico; (F.D.-C.); (M.S.-H.)
| | - Mario Solís-Hernández
- Comisión México-Estados Unidos para la Prevención de la Fiebre Aftosa y otras Enfermedades Exóticas de los Animales (CPA), Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA), Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural (SADER), Ciudad de Mexico 05110, Mexico State, Mexico; (F.D.-C.); (M.S.-H.)
| | - Jahir Pérez-Sánchez
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Cd., Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico;
| | | | - Verónica Mata-Haro
- Laboratorio de Microbiología e Inmunología, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C., Hermosillo 83304, Sonora, Mexico;
| | - Jesús Hernández
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C., Hermosillo 83304, Sonora, Mexico; (M.C.-O.); (M.R.-S.)
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9
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Jones S, Tyson GB, Orton RJ, Smollett K, Manna F, Kwok K, Suárez NM, Logan N, McDonald M, Bowie A, Filipe ADS, Willett BJ, Weir W, Hosie MJ. SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic UK Cats from Alpha to Omicron: Swab Surveillance and Case Reports. Viruses 2023; 15:1769. [PMID: 37632111 PMCID: PMC10459977 DOI: 10.3390/v15081769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although domestic cats are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, the role of the virus in causing feline disease is less well defined. We conducted a large-scale study to identify SARS-CoV-2 infections in UK pet cats, using active and passive surveillance. Remnant feline respiratory swab samples, submitted for other pathogen testing between May 2021 and February 2023, were screened using RT-qPCR. In addition, we appealed to veterinarians for swab samples from cats suspected of having clinical SARS-CoV-2 infections. Bespoke testing for SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies was also performed, on request, in suspected cases. One RT-qPCR-positive cat was identified by active surveillance (1/549, 0.18%), during the Delta wave (1/175, 0.57%). Passive surveillance detected one cat infected with the Alpha variant, and two of ten cats tested RT-qPCR-positive during the Delta wave. No cats tested RT-qPCR-positive after the emergence of Omicron BA.1 and its descendants although 374 were tested by active and eleven by passive surveillance. We describe four cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pet cats, identified by RT-qPCR and/or serology, that presented with a range of clinical signs, as well as their SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences. These cases demonstrate that, although uncommon in cats, a variety of clinical signs can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jones
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Grace B. Tyson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Richard J. Orton
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Katherine Smollett
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Federica Manna
- Bath Vet Referrals, Rosemary Lodge Veterinary Hospital, Wellsway, Bath BA2 5RL, UK
| | - Kirsty Kwok
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Nicolás M. Suárez
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Nicola Logan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Andrea Bowie
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Ana Da Silva Filipe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - Brian J. Willett
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK (W.W.)
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (G.B.T.)
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10
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Guo X, Zhang Y, Pan Y, Yang K, Tong X, Wang Y. Phylogenetic Analysis and Codon Usage Bias Reveal the Base of Feline and Canine Chaphamaparvovirus for Cross-Species Transmission. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2617. [PMID: 37627409 PMCID: PMC10451695 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chaphamaparvoviruses (ChPVs) are ancient viruses that have been detected in a variety of hosts. In this study, through a phylogenetic analysis and the adaptability of ChPV to multiple hosts, we evaluated the basis for the ability of feline (FeChPV) and canine ChPV (CaChPV) for cross-species transmission. Phylogenetic analysis showed that FeChPV and CaChPV were closely related. Notably, two strains of ChPVs isolated from domestic cats and two from dogs clustered together with CaChPVs and FeChPVs, respectively, suggesting that the stringent boundaries between canine and feline ChPV may be broken. Further analysis revealed that CaChPV and FeChPV were more adapted to dogs than to cats. Mutation analysis identified several shared mutations in cross-species-transmissible strains. Furthermore, the VP structures of FeChPV and CaChPV exhibited a high degree of similarity across both cross-species-transmissible and non-cross-species-transmissible strains. However, it is crucial to note that these results are largely computational, and limitations exist in terms of the number and diversity of samples analyzed; the capacity for cross-species transmission should be approached with caution and elucidated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Kankan Yang
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Xinxin Tong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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11
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Tyson GB, Jones S, Montreuil-Spencer C, Logan N, Scott S, Sasvari H, McDonald M, Marshall L, Murcia PR, Willett BJ, Weir W, Hosie MJ. Increase in SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in UK Domestic Felids Despite Weak Immunogenicity of Post-Omicron Variants. Viruses 2023; 15:1661. [PMID: 37632004 PMCID: PMC10458763 DOI: 10.3390/v15081661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infections in domestic cats have caused concern for both animal health and the potential for inter-species transmission. Cats are known to be susceptible to the Omicron variant and its descendants, however, the feline immune response to these variants is not well defined. We aimed to estimate the current seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in UK pet cats, as well as characterise the neutralising antibody response to the Omicron (BA.1) variant. A neutralising seroprevalence of 4.4% and an overall seroprevalence of 13.9% was observed. Both purebred and male cats were found to have the highest levels of seroprevalence, as well as cats aged between two and five years. The Omicron variant was found to have a lower immunogenicity in cats than the B.1, Alpha and Delta variants, which reflects previous reports of immune and vaccine evasion in humans. These results further underline the importance of surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in UK cats as the virus continues to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace B. Tyson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sarah Jones
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Chloe Montreuil-Spencer
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Nicola Logan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sam Scott
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Hagar Sasvari
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Leigh Marshall
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Pablo R. Murcia
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Brian J. Willett
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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12
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Fischer EAJ, Broens EM, Kooistra HS, De Rooij MMT, Stegeman JA, De Jong MCM. Contribution of cats and dogs to SARS-CoV-2 transmission in households. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1151772. [PMID: 37519992 PMCID: PMC10375487 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1151772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction SARS-CoV-2 is known to jump across species. The occurrence of transmission in households between humans and companion animals has been shown, but the contribution of companion animals to the overall transmission within a household is unknown. The basic reproduction number (R0) is an important indicator to quantify transmission. For a pathogen with multiple host species, such as SARS-CoV-2, the basic reproduction number needs to be calculated from the partial reproduction numbers for each combination of host species. Method In this study, the basic and partial reproduction numbers for SARS-CoV-2 were estimated by reanalyzing a survey of Dutch households with dogs and cats and minimally one SARS-CoV-2-infected human. Results For households with cats, a clear correlation between the number of cats and the basic reproduction number (Spearman's correlation: p 0.40, p-value: 1.4 × 10-5) was identified, while for dogs, the correlation was smaller and not significant (Spearman's correlation: p 0.12, p-value: 0.21). Partial reproduction numbers from cats or dogs to humans were 0.3 (0.0-2.0) and 0.3 (0.0-3.5) and from humans to cats or dogs were 0.6 (0.4-0.8) and 0.6 (0.4-0.9). Discussion Thus, the estimations of within-household transmission indicated the likelihood of transmission from these companion animals to humans and vice versa, but the observational nature of this study limited the ability to establish conclusive evidence. This study's findings support the advice provided during the pandemic to COVID-19 patients to maintain distance from companion animals as a precautionary measure and given the possibility of transmission, although there is an overall relatively limited impact on the pandemic when compared to human-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Els M. Broens
- Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans S. Kooistra
- Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mart C. M. De Jong
- Department of Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
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13
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Duijvestijn MBHM, Schuurman NNMP, Vernooij JCM, van Leeuwen MAJM, Bosch BJ, van den Brand JMA, Wagenaar JA, van Kuppeveld FJM, Egberink HF, Verhagen JH. Serological Survey of Retrovirus and Coronavirus Infections, including SARS-CoV-2, in Rural Stray Cats in The Netherlands, 2020-2022. Viruses 2023; 15:1531. [PMID: 37515217 PMCID: PMC10385588 DOI: 10.3390/v15071531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Stray cats can host (zoonotic) viral pathogens and act as a source of infection for domestic cats or humans. In this cross-sectional (sero)prevalence study, sera from 580 stray cats living in 56 different cat groups in rural areas in The Netherlands were collected from October 2020 to July 2022. These were used to investigate the prevalence of the cat-specific feline leukemia virus (FeLV, n = 580), the seroprevalence of the cat-specific feline viruses feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV, n = 580) and feline coronavirus (FCoV, n = 407), and the zoonotic virus severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2, n = 407) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). ELISA-positive results were confirmed using Western blot (FIV) or pseudovirus neutralization test (SARS-CoV-2). The FIV seroprevalence was 5.0% (95% CI (Confidence Interval) 3.4-7.1) and ranged from 0-19.0% among groups. FIV-specific antibodies were more often detected in male cats, cats ≥ 3 years and cats with reported health problems. No FeLV-positive cats were found (95% CI 0.0-0.6). The FCoV seroprevalence was 33.7% (95% CI 29.1-38.5) and ranged from 4.7-85.7% among groups. FCoV-specific antibodies were more often detected in cats ≥ 3 years, cats with reported health problems and cats living in industrial areas or countryside residences compared to cats living at holiday parks or campsites. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the subunit 1 (S1) and receptor binding domain (RBD) protein were detected in 2.7% (95% CI 1.4-4.8) of stray cats, but sera were negative in the pseudovirus neutralization test and therefore were considered SARS-CoV-2 suspected. Our findings suggest that rural stray cats in The Netherlands can be a source of FIV and FCoV, indicating a potential risk for transmission to other cats, while the risk for FeLV is low. However, suspected SARS-CoV-2 infections in these cats were uncommon. We found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 cat-to-cat spread in the studied stray cat groups and consider the likelihood of spillover to humans as low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam B H M Duijvestijn
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy N M P Schuurman
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C M Vernooij
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J M van Kuppeveld
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Herman F Egberink
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josanne H Verhagen
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Bae J, Ro C, Kang Y, Ga E, Na W, Song D. Human-to-Animal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, South Korea, 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1066-1067. [PMID: 37081604 PMCID: PMC10124666 DOI: 10.3201/eid2905.221359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission from humans to animals in Seoul, South Korea, we submitted samples from companion animals owned by persons with confirmed COVID-19. Real-time PCR indicated higher SARS-CoV-2 viral infection rates for dogs and cats than previously reported from the United States and Europe. Host-specific adaptations could introduce mutant SARS-CoV-2 to humans.
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15
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Michelitsch A, Allendorf V, Conraths FJ, Gethmann J, Schulz J, Wernike K, Denzin N. SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Clinical Signs in Cats and Dogs from Confirmed Positive Households in Germany. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040837. [PMID: 37112817 PMCID: PMC10144952 DOI: 10.3390/v15040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
On a global scale, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a serious threat to the health of the human population. Not only humans can be infected, but also their companion animals. The antibody status of 115 cats and 170 dogs, originating from 177 German households known to have been SARS-CoV-2 positive, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the results were combined with information gathered from a questionnaire that was completed by the owner(s) of the animals. The true seroprevalences of SARS-CoV-2 among cats and dogs were 42.5% (95% CI 33.5–51.9) and 56.8% (95% CI 49.1–64.4), respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression accounting for data clustered in households, for cats, the number of infected humans in the household and an above-average contact intensity turned out to be significant risk factors; contact with humans outside the household was a protective factor. For dogs, on the contrary, contact outside the household was a risk factor, and reduced contact, once the human infection was known, was a significant protective factor. No significant association was found between reported clinical signs in animals and their antibody status, and no spatial clustering of positive test results was identified.
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16
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Dunowska M. Cross-species transmission of coronaviruses with a focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in animals: a review for the veterinary practitioner. N Z Vet J 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36927253 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2191349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIn 2019 a novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged from an unidentified source and spread rapidly among humans worldwide. While many human infections are mild, some result in severe clinical disease that in a small proportion of infected people is fatal. The pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been facilitated by efficient human-to-human transmission of the virus, with no data to indicate that animals contributed to this global health crisis. However, a range of domesticated and wild animals are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection under both experimental and natural conditions. Humans are presumed to be the source of most animal infections thus far, although natural transmission between mink and between free-ranging deer has occurred, and occasional natural transmission between cats cannot be fully excluded. Considering the ongoing circulation of the virus among people, together with its capacity to evolve through mutation and recombination, the risk of the emergence of animal-adapted variants is not negligible. If such variants remain infectious to humans, this could lead to the establishment of an animal reservoir for the virus, which would complicate control efforts. As such, minimising human-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 should be considered as part of infection control efforts. The aim of this review is to summarise what is currently known about the species specificity of animal coronaviruses, with an emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, in the broader context of factors that facilitate cross-species transmission of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dunowska
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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17
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Low Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Canine and Feline Serum Samples Collected during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong and Korea. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020582. [PMID: 36851796 PMCID: PMC9967295 DOI: 10.3390/v15020582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions of people worldwide since its emergence in 2019. Knowing the potential capacity of the virus to adapt to other species, the serological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in susceptible animals is important. Hong Kong and Seoul are two of Asia's most densely populated urban cities, where companion animals often live in close contact with humans. Sera collected from 1040 cats and 855 dogs during the early phase of the pandemic in Hong Kong and Seoul were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using an ELISA that detects antibodies against the receptor binding domain of the viral spike protein. Positive sera were also tested for virus neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization (sVNT) and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Among feline sera, 4.51% and 2.54% of the samples from Korea and Hong Kong, respectively, tested ELISA positive. However, only 1.64% of the samples from Korea and 0.18% from Hong Kong tested positive by sVNT, while only 0.41% of samples from Korea tested positive by PRNT. Among canine samples, 4.94% and 6.46% from Korea and Hong Kong, respectively, tested positive by ELISA, while only 0.29% of sera from Korea were positive on sVNT and no canine sera tested positive by PRNT. These results confirm a low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in companion animals in Korea and Hong Kong. The discordance between the RBD-ELISA and neutralization tests may indicate possible ELISA cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses, especially in canine sera.
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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Bellinati L, Campalto M, Mazzotta E, Ceglie L, Cavicchio L, Mion M, Lucchese L, Salomoni A, Bortolami A, Quaranta E, Magarotto J, Favarato M, Squarzon L, Natale A. One-Year Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Stray Cats and Kennel Dogs from Northeastern Italy. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010110. [PMID: 36677401 PMCID: PMC9866628 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). During the pandemic, several studies have been performed on owned cats and dogs, whereas limited data are available on the exposure to stray animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 of feral cats and kennel dogs in northeastern Italy, through serological and molecular methods. From May 2021 to September 2022, public health veterinary services collected serum, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab samples from 257 free-roaming dogs newly introduced to shelters, and from 389 feral cats examined during the routinely trap-neutered-return programs. The swabs were analyzed for viral RNA through a real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR), and sera were tested for the presence of the specific antibody against SARS-CoV-2 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Serology was positive in nine dogs (9/257) and three cats (3/389), while two asymptomatic cats tested positive to rRT-PCR. One cat turned out to be positive both for serology and molecular analysis. In addition, this study described the case of a possible human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a cat that travelled in close contact to a COVID-19-positive refugee from Ukraine. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can infect, in natural conditions, stray cats and kennel dogs in northeastern Italy, although with a low prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Mery Campalto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Elisa Mazzotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Lara Cavicchio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Monica Mion
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Laura Lucchese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Angela Salomoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alessio Bortolami
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Erika Quaranta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Mosè Favarato
- UOSD Genetica e Citogenetica e Diagnostica Molecolare-Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, 30174 Venice, Italy
| | - Laura Squarzon
- UOSD Genetica e Citogenetica e Diagnostica Molecolare-Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, 30174 Venice, Italy
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
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Spada E, Bruno F, Castelli G, Vitale F, Reale S, Biondi V, Migliazzo A, Perego R, Baggiani L, Proverbio D. Do Blood Phenotypes of Feline AB Blood Group System Affect the SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Serostatus in Cats? Viruses 2022; 14:v14122691. [PMID: 36560695 PMCID: PMC9783645 DOI: 10.3390/v14122691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats are susceptible to coronavirus infections, including infection by human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In human ABO system blood groups, alloantibodies can play a direct role in resistance to infectious diseases. Individuals with the AB blood type were over-represented in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group. Blood type AB individuals lack both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, and therefore lack the protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection given by these antibodies. Starting from this knowledge, this pilot preliminary study evaluated a possible association between feline blood phenotypes A, B, and AB and serostatus for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats. We also investigated selected risk or protective factors associated with seropositivity for this coronavirus. A feline population of 215 cats was analysed for AB group system blood phenotypes and antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N-protein) SARS-CoV-2 antigen using a double antigen ELISA. SARS-CoV-2 seropositive samples were confirmed using a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Origin (stray colony/shelter/owned cat), breed (DSH/non DSH), gender (male/female), reproductive status (neutered/intact), age class (kitten/young adult/mature adult/senior), retroviruses status (seropositive/seronegative), and blood phenotype (A, B, and AB) were evaluated as protective or risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Seropositivity for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein was recorded in eight cats, but only four of these tested positive with sVNT. Of these four SARS-CoV-2 seropositive cats, three were blood phenotype A and one was phenotype AB. Young adult age (1-6 years), FeLV seropositivity and blood type AB were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity according to a univariate analysis, but only blood type AB (p = 0.0344, OR = 15.4, 95%CI: 1.22-194.39) and FeLV seropositivity (p = 0.0444, OR = 13.2, 95%CI: 1.06-163.63) were significant associated risk factors according to a logistic regression. Blood phenotype AB might be associated with seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This could be due, as in people, to the protective effect of naturally occurring alloantibodies to blood type antigens which are lacking in type AB cats. The results of this pilot study should be considered very preliminary, and we suggest the need for further research to assess this potential relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Spada
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Bruno
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Germano Castelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Reale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Migliazzo
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Area Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, UOC Sanità Animale, Igiene Degli Allevamenti e Produzioni Zootecniche, Asl Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Roberta Perego
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Luciana Baggiani
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniela Proverbio
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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21
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Evidence of Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in Dogs and Cats from Households and Animal Shelters in Korea. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202786. [PMID: 36290173 PMCID: PMC9597771 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the zoonotic SARS-CoV-2. A variety of animals involved in human life worldwide have been investigated for infection. As the degree of infection increased, extensive monitoring in animals became necessary to determine the degree of infection in animals. The study was conducted on a sample of dogs and cats, which were randomly sampled according to the number of confirmed cases in the region. Animals from both COVID-19-confirmed households and generally disease-negative families and animal shelters were included. Tests included real-time qPCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 antigens, ELISA for antibodies, and plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT) for neutralizing antibodies. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in 2 cats out of 1018 pets (672 dogs and 346 cats). A total of 16 dogs (2.38%) and 18 cats (5.20%) tested positive using ELISA, and 14 dogs (2.08%) and 17 cats (4.91%) tested positive using PRNT. Antigens of- and/or antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the animals regardless of whether the companion family was infected; this was the case even in animal shelters, which have been regarded as relatively safe from transmission. In conclusion, continuous viral circulation between humans and animals is inevitable; therefore, continuous monitoring in animals is required.
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