Complete Genome Sequences of Four Bovine Coronavirus Isolates from Pennsylvania

Complete Genome Sequence of a Bovine Coronavirus Isolated from a Goat in Pennsylvania, USA

We report a complete genome sequence of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) isolated from a goat in the state of Pennsylvania in 2022. BCoV often causes calf scours and winter dysentery in cattle.

First report and genomic characterization of a bovine-like coronavirus causing enteric infection in an odd-toed non-ruminant species (Indonesian tapir, Acrocodia indica) during an outbreak of winter dysentery in a zoo

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is associated with three distinct clinical syndromes in cattle that is, neonatal diarrhoea, haemorrhagic diarrhoea in adults (the so-called winter dysentery syndrome, WD) and respiratory infections in cattle of different ages. In addition, bovine-like CoVs have been detected in various species including domestic and wild ruminants. However, bovine-like CoVs have not been reported so far in odd-toed ungulates. We describe an outbreak of WD associated with a bovine-like CoV affecting several captive wild ungulates, including Indonesian tapirs (Acrocodia indica) an odd-toed ungulate species (Perissodactyla) which, with even-toed ungulates species (Artiodactyla) form the clade Euungulata. Genomic characterization of the CoV revealed that it was closely related to BCoVs previously reported in America. This case illustrates the adaptability of bovine-like CoVs to new species and the necessity of continued surveillance of bovine-like CoVs in various species.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and its potential animal reservoirs: A review

In the 21st century, the world has been plagued by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a virus of the family Coronaviridae epidemiologically suspected to be linked to a wet market in Wuhan, China. The involvement of wildlife and wet markets with the previous outbreaks simultaneously has been brought into sharp focus. Although scientists are yet to ascertain the host range and zoonotic potential of SARS-CoV-2 rigorously, information about its two ancestors, SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is a footprint for research on COVID-19. A 96% genetic similarity with bat coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 indicates that the bat might be a potential reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 just like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, where civets and dromedary camels are considered the potential intermediate host, respectively. Perceiving the genetic similarity between pangolin coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2, many scientists also have given the scheme that the pangolin might be the intermediate host. The involvement of SARS-CoV-2 with other animals, such as mink, snake, and turtle has also been highlighted in different research articles based on the interaction between the key amino acids of S protein in the receptor-binding domain and angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2). This study highlights the potential animal reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 and the role of wildlife in the COVID-19 pandemic. Although different causes, such as recurring viral genome recombination, wide genetic assortment, and irksome food habits, have been blamed for this emergence, basic research studies and literature reviews indicate an enormous consortium between humans and animals for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amachawadi R, Dash AP, Yadav MP, Prasad KS, P S, Jain AS, Shivamallu C. COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON THE CORONAVIRUSES OF ANIMALS AND SARS-CoV-2

Coronaviruses (CoVs), classified into four genera, viz., alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and Delta- CoV, represent an important group of diverse transboundary pathogens that can infect a variety of mammalian and avian species including humans, animals, poultry, and non-poultry birds. CoVs primarily infect lung and gut epithelial cells, besides monocytes and macrophages. CoVs have high mutation rates causing changes in host specificity, tissue tropism, and mode of virus excretion and transmissions. The recent CoV zoonoses are SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 that are caused by the transmission of beta-CoVs of bats to humans. Recently, reverse zoonoses of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in dogs, tigers, and minks. Beta-CoV strains also infect bovine (BCoV) and canine species (CRCoV); both these beta-CoVs might have originated from a common ancestor. Despite the high genetic similarity between BCoV, CRCoV, and HCoV-OC43, these differ in species specificity. Alpha-CoV strains infect canine (CCoV), feline (FIPV), swine (TGEV and PEDV), and humans (HCoV229E and NL63). Six coronavirus species are known to infect and cause disease in pigs, seven in human beings, and two in dogs. The high mutation rate in CoVs is attributed to error-prone 3′-5′ exoribonuclease (NSP 14), and genetic recombination to template shift by the polymerase. The present compilation describes the important features of the CoVs and diseases caused in humans, animals, and birds that are essential in surveillance of diverse pool of CoVs circulating in nature, and monitoring interspecies transmission, zoonoses, and reverse zoonoses.