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Selyemová D, Antolová D, Mangová B, Jarošová J, Ličková M, Havlíková SF, Sláviková M, Tarageľová VR, Derdáková M. Cats as a sentinel species for human infectious diseases - toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, and COVID-19. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100196. [PMID: 39055483 PMCID: PMC11269282 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
In this study, serological screening for Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spp., and SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats was conducted, aiming to identify their exposure to the mentioned pathogens and to assess the risk of potential human infection. In total, serum samples from 481 (310 owned and 171 shelter cats) were collected in Bratislava from September 2020 to September 2021, a period that included the initial outbreak wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 37.4% (135/441) seroprevalence of T. gondii with a slightly lower seropositivity in shelter cats (35.9%; 61/170) than in owned cats (38.4%; 104/271), but this difference was not statistically significant. Overall, the seroprevalence of Trichinella spp. was 2.0% (9/441), with animals from shelters being positive but not significantly more often (2.9%; 5/170) than owned cats (1.5%; 4/271). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 2.7% (13/481) of cat sera (2.9% in shelter cats; 2.6% in owned cats). Among ten samples positive by virus neutralisation assay, two were positive for the B.1 variant. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in buccal and rectal swabs (n = 239) was not detected. The seroprevalence of almost 40% for T. gondii in cats suggests a non-negligible risk of human infection. The study confirmed the possibility of Trichinella spp. infection in cats, and thus the possibility of infection spreading between the sylvatic and synanthropic cycle via this animal species. The presented results also showed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely to circulate in cat populations in Slovakia, not only in cats that may have been in contact with infected persons, but also in shelter cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Selyemová
- Institute of Zoology, SAS, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology, SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Barbara Mangová
- Institute of Zoology, SAS, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Júlia Jarošová
- Institute of Parasitology, SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Ličková
- Biomedical Research Center, SAS, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sabína Fumačová Havlíková
- Biomedical Research Center, SAS, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Sláviková
- Biomedical Research Center, SAS, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Markéta Derdáková
- Institute of Zoology, SAS, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
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2
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Suwanpakdee S, Ketchim N, Thongdee M, Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan S, Tangsudjai S, Wiriyarat W, Julapanthong P, Trakoolchaisri W, Buamas S, Sakcamduang W, Okada PA, Puthavathana P, Paungpin W. Sero-epidemiological investigation and cross-neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants in cats and dogs, Thailand. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1329656. [PMID: 38770189 PMCID: PMC11103004 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1329656] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals have been thoroughly investigated in many countries. However, information on the neutralizing cross-reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 variants in companion animals is still limited. Here, we explored the neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs between May 2020 and December 2021 during the first wave (a Wuhan-Hu-1-dominant period) and the fourth wave (a Delta-dominant period) of the Thailand COVID-19 outbreak. Archival plasma samples of 1,304 cats and 1,795 dogs (total = 3,099) submitted for diagnosis and health checks were collected at the Prasu-Arthorn Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom. A microneutralization test was used to detect neutralizing antibodies against the ancestral Wuhan-Hu-1 and the Delta variants. A plasma sample with neutralizing titers ≥10 was considered positive. Our results showed relatively low seroprevalence with seropositive samples detected in 8 out of 3,099 individuals (0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.51%). Among these cases, SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies from both the ancestral Wuhan-Hu-1 and the Delta variants were found in three out of eight cases in two cats (n = 2) and one dog (n = 1). Furthermore, neutralizing antibodies specific to only the ancestral Wuhan-Hu-1 variant were exclusively found in one cat (n = 1), while antibodies against only the Delta variant were detected in four dogs (n = 4). Additionally, the neutralizing cross-activities against SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, and Omicron BA.2) were observed in the seropositive cats with limited capacity to neutralize the Omicron BA.2 variant. In summary, the seropositivity among cats and dogs in households with an unknown COVID-19 status was relatively low in Thailand. Moreover, the neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 found in the seropositive cats and dogs had limited or no ability to neutralize the Omicron BA.2 variant. Thus, monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection and sero-surveillance, particularly in cats, is imperative for tracking virus susceptibility to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarin Suwanpakdee
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Natthaphat Ketchim
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Metawee Thongdee
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Somjit Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Siriporn Tangsudjai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Witthawat Wiriyarat
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Pre-Clinical and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Pruksa Julapanthong
- Prasu-Arthorn Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Wachira Trakoolchaisri
- Prasu-Arthorn Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Supakit Buamas
- Prasu-Arthorn Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Walasinee Sakcamduang
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | | | - Pilaipan Puthavathana
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Weena Paungpin
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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3
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Silva MJA, Santana DS, Lima MBM, Silva CS, de Oliveira LG, Monteiro EOL, Dias RDS, Pereira BDKB, Nery PADS, Ferreira MAS, Sarmento MADS, Ayin AAN, Mendes de Oliveira AC, Lima KVB, Lima LNGC. Assessment of the Risk Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence between Cats and Dogs in America and Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2024; 13:314. [PMID: 38668269 PMCID: PMC11053406 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040314] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represented a huge obstacle for public health and demonstrated weaknesses in surveillance and health promotion systems around the world. Its etiological agent, SARS-CoV-2, of zoonotic origin, has been the target of several studies related to the control and prevention of outbreaks and epidemics of COVID-19 not only for humans but also for animals. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, have extensive contact with humans and can acquire the infection both naturally and directly from humans. The objective of this article was to summarize the seroprevalence findings of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats and correlate them with the strength of infection risk between each of them. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the recommendations of PRISMA 2020. The search and selection of papers was carried out using in vivo experimental works with animals using the descriptors (MeSH/DeCS) "Animal", "Public Health", "SARS-CoV-2" and "Pandemic" (together with AND) in English, Portuguese or Spanish for Science Direct, PUBMED, LILACS and SciELO databases. The ARRIVE checklist was used for methodological evaluation and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software with the Difference Risk (RD) test to evaluate statistical inferences (with subgroups by continent). Cats showed greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 compared to dogs both in a joint analysis of studies (RD = 0.017; 95% CI = 0.008-0.025; p < 0.0001) and in the American subgroup (RD = 0.053; 95% CI = 0.032-0.073; p < 0.0001), unlike the lack of significant difference on the European continent (RD = 0.009; 95% CI = -0.001-0.018; p = 0.066). Therefore, it was observed that cats have a greater interest in health surveillance due to the set of biological and ecological aspects of these animals, but also that there are a set of factors that can influence the spread and possible spillover events of the virus thanks to the anthropozoonotic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Jessé Abrahão Silva
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), University of the State of Pará (UEPA), Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil;
| | - Davi Silva Santana
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Marceli Batista Martins Lima
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Caroliny Soares Silva
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), University of the State of Pará (UEPA), Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil;
| | - Letícia Gomes de Oliveira
- Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (L.G.d.O.); (K.V.B.L.); (L.N.G.C.L.)
| | | | - Rafael dos Santos Dias
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Bruna de Kássia Barbosa Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Amazon (UNAMA), Belém 66120-901, PA, Brazil; (B.d.K.B.P.); (P.A.d.S.N.)
| | - Paula Andresa da Silva Nery
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Amazon (UNAMA), Belém 66120-901, PA, Brazil; (B.d.K.B.P.); (P.A.d.S.N.)
| | - Márcio André Silva Ferreira
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | | | - Andrea Alexandra Narro Ayin
- Faculty of Medicine, Centro Universitário do Estado do Pará (CESUPA), Belém 66613-903, PA, Brazil; (M.A.d.S.S.); (A.A.N.A.)
| | - Ana Cristina Mendes de Oliveira
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
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4
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Yamayoshi S, Ito M, Iwatsuki-Horimoto K, Yasuhara A, Okuda M, Hamabata T, Murakami J, Duong C, Yamamoto T, Kuroda Y, Maeda K, Kawaoka Y. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats during the early and mid-pandemic periods in Japan. One Health 2023; 17:100588. [PMID: 37359748 PMCID: PMC10279464 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100588] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continued to circulate in humans since its emergence in 2019. While infection in humans continues, numerous spillover events to at least 32 animal species, including companion and zoo animals, have been reported. Since dogs and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and have direct contact with their owners and other household members, it is important to know the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats. Here, we established an ELISA to detect serum antibodies against the receptor-binding domain and the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins. Using this ELISA, we assessed seroprevalence in 488 dog serum samples and 355 cat serum samples that were collected during the early pandemic period (between May and June of 2020) and 312 dog serum samples and 251 cat serum samples that were collected during the mid-pandemic period (between October 2021 and January 2022). We found that two dog serum samples (0.41%) collected in 2020, one cat serum sample (0.28%) collected in 2020, and four cat serum samples (1.6%) collected in 2021 were positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. No dog serum samples collected in 2021 were positive for these antibodies. We conclude that the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats in Japan is low, suggesting that these animals are not a major SARS-CoV-2 reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiya Yamayoshi
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Global Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Ito
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Atsuhiro Yasuhara
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moe Okuda
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiki Hamabata
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jurika Murakami
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Calvin Duong
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Yamamoto
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Yudai Kuroda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kawaoka
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Global Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Japan
- The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center, Japan
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
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5
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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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6
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Despres HW, Mills MG, Schmidt MM, Gov J, Perez Y, Jindrich M, Crawford AML, Kohl WT, Rosenblatt E, Kubinski HC, Simmons BC, Nippes MC, Goldenberg AJ, Murtha KE, Nicoloro S, Harris MJ, Feeley AC, Gelinas TK, Cronin MK, Frederick RS, Thomas M, Johnson ME, Murphy J, Lenzini EB, Carr PA, Berger DH, Mehta SP, Floreani CJ, Koval AC, Young AL, Fish JH, Wallace J, Chaney E, Ushay G, Ross RS, Vostal EM, Thisner MC, Gonet KE, Deane OC, Pelletiere KR, Rockafeller VC, Waterman M, Barry TW, Goering CC, Shipman SD, Shiers AC, Reilly CE, Duff AM, Madruga SL, Shirley DJ, Jerome KR, Pérez-Osorio AC, Greninger AL, Fortin N, Mosher BA, Bruce EA. Surveillance of Vermont wildlife in 2021-2022 reveals no detected SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14683. [PMID: 37674004 PMCID: PMC10482933 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39232-0] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have documented natural infections of SARS-CoV-2 in various domestic and wild animals. More recently, studies have been published noting the susceptibility of members of the Cervidae family, and infections in both wild and captive cervid populations. In this study, we investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in mammalian wildlife within the state of Vermont. 739 nasal or throat samples were collected from wildlife throughout the state during the 2021 and 2022 harvest season. Data was collected from red and gray foxes (Vulpes vulples and Urocyon cineroargentus, respectively), fishers (Martes pennati), river otters (Lutra canadensis), coyotes (Canis lantrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus rufus), black bears (Ursus americanus), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 via quantitative RT-qPCR using the CDC N1/N2 primer set and/or the WHO-E gene primer set. Surprisingly, we initially detected a number of N1 and/or N2 positive samples with high cycle threshold values, though after conducting environmental swabbing of the laboratory and verifying with a second independent primer set (WHO-E) and PCR without reverse transcriptase, we showed that these were false positives due to plasmid contamination from a construct expressing the N gene in the general laboratory environment. Our final results indicate that no sampled wildlife were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and highlight the importance of physically separate locations for the processing of samples for surveillance and experiments that require the use of plasmid DNA containing the target RNA sequence. These negative findings are surprising, given that most published North America studies have found SARS-CoV-2 within their deer populations. The absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in populations sampled here may provide insights in to the various environmental and anthropogenic factors that reduce spillover and spread in North American's wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah W Despres
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Margaret G Mills
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Madaline M Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jolene Gov
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yael Perez
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Mars Jindrich
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Allison M L Crawford
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Warren T Kohl
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elias Rosenblatt
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Hannah C Kubinski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Benjamin C Simmons
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Miles C Nippes
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Anne J Goldenberg
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Kristina E Murtha
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Samantha Nicoloro
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Mia J Harris
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Avery C Feeley
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Taylor K Gelinas
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Maeve K Cronin
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Robert S Frederick
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Matthew Thomas
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Meaghan E Johnson
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - James Murphy
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Elle B Lenzini
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Peter A Carr
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Danielle H Berger
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Soham P Mehta
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Christopher J Floreani
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Amelia C Koval
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Aleah L Young
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jess H Fish
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jack Wallace
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Ella Chaney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Grace Ushay
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Rebecca S Ross
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Erin M Vostal
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Maya C Thisner
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Kyliegh E Gonet
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Owen C Deane
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Kari R Pelletiere
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Vegas C Rockafeller
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Madeline Waterman
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Tyler W Barry
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Catriona C Goering
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Sarah D Shipman
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Allie C Shiers
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Claire E Reilly
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Alanna M Duff
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Sarah L Madruga
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - David J Shirley
- Department of Engineering, Faraday, Inc., Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Keith R Jerome
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Ailyn C Pérez-Osorio
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Alexander L Greninger
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Nick Fortin
- Fish and Wildlife Department, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Rutland, VT, 05701, USA
| | - Brittany A Mosher
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Emily A Bruce
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
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7
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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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8
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Ramasamy S, Gontu A, Neerukonda S, Ruggiero D, Morrow B, Gupta S, Amirthalingam S, Hardham JM, Lizer JT, Yon M, Nissly RH, Jakka P, Chothe SK, LaBella LC, Tewari D, Nair MS, Kuchipudi SV. SARS-CoV-2 Prevalence and Variant Surveillance among Cats in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Viruses 2023; 15:1493. [PMID: 37515180 PMCID: PMC10386599 DOI: 10.3390/v15071493] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects many mammals, and SARS-CoV-2 circulation in nonhuman animals may increase the risk of novel variant emergence. Cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and there were cases of virus transmission between cats and humans. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variant infection of cats in an urban setting. We investigated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variant infections in domestic and community cats in the city of Pittsburgh (n = 272). While no cats tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, 35 cats (12.86%) tested SARS-CoV-2-antibody-positive. Further, we compared a cat-specific experimental lateral flow assay (eLFA) and species-agnostic surrogate virus neutralization assay (sVNT) for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection in cats (n = 71). The eLFA demonstrated 100% specificity compared to sVNT. The eLFA also showed 100% sensitivity for sera with >90% inhibition and 63.63% sensitivity for sera with 40-89% inhibition in sVNT. Using a variant-specific pseudovirus neutralization assay (pVNT) and antigen cartography, we found the presence of antibodies to pre-Omicron and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. Hence, this approach proves valuable in identifying cat exposure to different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our results highlight the continued exposure of cats to SARS-CoV-2 and warrant coordinated surveillance efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhamani Ramasamy
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Abhinay Gontu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Diana Ruggiero
- S.R. Scientific LLC, 5854 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Becky Morrow
- S.R. Scientific LLC, 5854 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Frankie's Friends, 740 5th Ave, New Kensington, PA 15068, USA
| | - Sheweta Gupta
- S.R. Scientific LLC, 5854 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Saranya Amirthalingam
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | | | - Michele Yon
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ruth H Nissly
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Padmaja Jakka
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Shubhada K Chothe
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Lindsey C LaBella
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Deepanker Tewari
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA
| | - Meera Surendran Nair
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Suresh V Kuchipudi
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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9
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Gonzalez-Hernandez M, Kaiser FK, Steffen I, Ciurkiewicz M, van Amerongen G, Tchelet R, Emalfarb M, Saloheimo M, Wiebe MG, Vitikainen M, Albulescu IC, Bosch BJ, Baumgärtner W, Haagmans BL, Osterhaus ADME. Preclinical immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a SARS-CoV-2 RBD-based vaccine produced with the thermophilic filamentous fungal expression system Thermothelomyces heterothallica C1. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1204834. [PMID: 37359531 PMCID: PMC10289020 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1204834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergency use of vaccines has been the most efficient way to control the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern has reduced the efficacy of currently used vaccines. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein is the main target for virus neutralizing (VN) antibodies. Methods A SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine candidate was produced in the Thermothelomyces heterothallica (formerly, Myceliophthora thermophila) C1 protein expression system and coupled to a nanoparticle. Immunogenicity and efficacy of this vaccine candidate was tested using the Syrian golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) infection model. Results One dose of 10-μg RBD vaccine based on SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain, coupled to a nanoparticle in combination with aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant, efficiently induced VN antibodies and reduced viral load and lung damage upon SARS-CoV-2 challenge infection. The VN antibodies neutralized SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. Discussion Our results support the use of the Thermothelomyces heterothallica C1 protein expression system to produce recombinant vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and other virus infections to help overcome limitations associated with the use of mammalian expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Gonzalez-Hernandez
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Karola Kaiser
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Imke Steffen
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Ciurkiewicz
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ronen Tchelet
- Dyadic International, Inc., Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - Mark Emalfarb
- Dyadic International, Inc., Jupiter, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - Irina C. Albulescu
- Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Virology Section, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bart L. Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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10
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Despres HW, Mills MG, Schmidt MM, Gov J, Perez Y, Jindrich M, Crawford AML, Kohl WT, Rosenblatt E, Kubinski HC, Simmons BC, Nippes MC, Goldenberg AJ, Murtha KE, Nicoloro S, Harris MJ, Feeley AC, Gelinas TK, Cronin MK, Frederick RS, Thomas M, Johnson ME, Murphy J, Lenzini EB, Carr PA, Berger DH, Mehta SP, Floreani CJ, Koval AC, Young AL, Fish JH, Wallace J, Chaney E, Ushay G, Ross RS, Vostal EM, Thisner MC, Gonet KE, Deane OC, Pelletiere KR, Rockafeller VC, Waterman M, Barry TW, Goering CC, Shipman SD, Shiers AC, Reilly CE, Duff AM, Shirley DJ, Jerome KR, Pérez-Osorio AC, Greninger AL, Fortin N, Mosher BA, Bruce EA. Surveillance of Vermont wildlife in 2021-2022 reveals no detected SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.25.538264. [PMID: 37162835 PMCID: PMC10168257 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.25.538264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have documented natural infections of SARS-CoV-2 in various domestic and wild animals. More recently, studies have been published noting the susceptibility of members of the Cervidae family, and infections in both wild and captive cervid populations. In this study, we investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in mammalian wildlife within the state of Vermont. 739 nasal or throat samples were collected from wildlife throughout the state during the 2021 and 2022 harvest season. Data was collected from red and gray foxes ( Vulpes vulples and Urocyon cineroargentus , respectively), fishers ( Martes pennati ), river otters ( Lutra canadensis ), coyotes ( Canis lantrans ), bobcats ( Lynx rufus rufus ), black bears ( Ursus americanus ), and white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ). Samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 via quantitative RT-qPCR using the CDC N1/N2 primer set and/or the WHO-E gene primer set. Our results indicate that no sampled wildlife were positive for SARS-CoV-2. This finding is surprising, given that most published North America studies have found SARS-CoV-2 within their deer populations. The absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in populations sampled here may provide insights in to the various environmental and anthropogenic factors that reduce spillover and spread in North American's wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah W. Despres
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Margaret G. Mills
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Madaline M. Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jolene Gov
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Yael Perez
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Mars Jindrich
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Allison M. L. Crawford
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Warren T. Kohl
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Elias Rosenblatt
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Hannah C. Kubinski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
| | - Benjamin C. Simmons
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Miles C. Nippes
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Anne J. Goldenberg
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Kristina E. Murtha
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Samantha Nicoloro
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Mia J. Harris
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Avery C. Feeley
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Taylor K. Gelinas
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Maeve K. Cronin
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Robert S. Frederick
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Matthew Thomas
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Meaghan E. Johnson
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - James Murphy
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Elle B. Lenzini
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Peter A. Carr
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Danielle H. Berger
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Soham P. Mehta
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | | | - Amelia C. Koval
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Aleah L. Young
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Jess H. Fish
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Jack Wallace
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Ella Chaney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Grace Ushay
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Rebecca S. Ross
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Erin M. Vostal
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Maya C. Thisner
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Kyliegh E. Gonet
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Owen C. Deane
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Kari R. Pelletiere
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | | | - Madeline Waterman
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Tyler W. Barry
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Catriona C. Goering
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Sarah D. Shipman
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Allie C. Shiers
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Claire E. Reilly
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | - Alanna M. Duff
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, University of Vermont, Wildlife Society Chapter
| | | | - Keith R. Jerome
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA 98109, USA
| | - Ailyn C. Pérez-Osorio
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
| | - Alexander L. Greninger
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA 98109, USA
| | - Nick Fortin
- Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife Department, Rutland, VT 05701
| | - Brittany A. Mosher
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Emily A. Bruce
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington VT, 05405, USA
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11
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High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household cats and dogs of Lebanon. Res Vet Sci 2023; 157:13-16. [PMID: 36842247 PMCID: PMC9942449 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.02.005] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been declared in late 2019. It is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Flu-like symptoms and acute respiratory illnesses are the main manifestations of the disease. Recent studies have confirmed the susceptibility of domestic animals to SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in household pets and the importance of pets in the epidemiology of this infection remain unknown. In Lebanon, there is no epidemiological data regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals. Thus, this investigation aimed to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household pets of Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2020 and February 2021. Blood samples from 145 cats and 180 dogs were collected from 12 veterinary clinics located in the North, Mount, and Beirut governorates. A validated ELISA assay was used to detect the anti- SARS-CoV-2 in the sera of the tested animals. An overall seroprevalence of 16.92% (55/325) was reported; 13.79% seroprevalence was found in cats (20/145) and 19.44% (35/180) in dogs. The young age and the cold season were significantly associated with an increased seropositivity rate to SARS-CoV-2 infection (P < 0.01). These results confirm the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in household pets, in various geographical regions in Lebanon. Although, there is a lack of evidence to suggest that naturally infected pets could transmit the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Yet, owners diagnosed with COVID-19 should limit their contact with their animals during the course of the disease to curb the risk of transmission.
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12
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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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13
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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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14
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Guo R, Wolff C, Prada JM, Mughini-Gras L. When COVID-19 sits on people's laps: A systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in household dogs and cats. One Health 2023; 16:100497. [PMID: 36778083 PMCID: PMC9896854 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, questions were raised about whether SARS-CoV-2 can infect pets and the potential risks posed to and by their human owners. We performed a systematic review of studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in naturally infected household dogs and cats conducted worldwide and published before January 2022. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence, as determined by either molecular or serological methods, and accompanying information, were summarized. Screening studies targeting the general dog or cat populations were differentiated from those targeting households with known COVID-19-positive people. Studies focusing on stray, sheltered or working animals were excluded. In total, 17 studies were included in this review. Fourteen studies investigated cats, 13 investigated dogs, and 10 investigated both. Five studies reported molecular prevalence, 16 reported seroprevalence, and four reported both. All but two studies started and ended in 2020. Studies were conducted in eight European countries (Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Poland), three Asian countries (Iran, Japan, China) and the USA. Both molecular and serological prevalence in the general pet population were usually below 5%, but exceeded 10% when COVID-19 positive people were known to be present in the household. A meta-analysis provided pooled seroprevalence estimates in the general pet population: 2.75% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.56-4.79%) and 0.82% (95% CI: 0.26-2.54%) for cats and dogs, respectively. This review highlighted the need for a better understanding of the possible epizootic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the need for global standards for SARS-CoV-2 detection in pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoshui Guo
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands,Corresponding author at: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721MA Bilthoven, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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15
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Liew AY, Carpenter A, Moore TA, Wallace RM, Hamer SA, Hamer GL, Fischer RSB, Zecca IB, Davila E, Auckland LD, Rooney JA, Killian ML, Tell RM, Rekant SI, Burrell SD, Ghai RR, Behravesh CB. Clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats compiled through national surveillance in the United States. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023; 261:480-489. [PMID: 36595371 PMCID: PMC10038921 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.08.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals detected through both passive and active surveillance in the US. ANIMALS 204 companion animals (109 cats, 95 dogs) across 33 states with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections between March 2020 and December 2021. PROCEDURES Public health officials, animal health officials, and academic researchers investigating zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission events reported clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic information through a standardized One Health surveillance process developed by the CDC and partners. RESULTS Among dogs and cats identified through passive surveillance, 94% (n = 87) had reported exposure to a person with COVID-19 before infection. Clinical signs of illness were present in 74% of pets identified through passive surveillance and 27% of pets identified through active surveillance. Duration of illness in pets averaged 15 days in cats and 12 days in dogs. The average time between human and pet onset of illness was 10 days. Viral nucleic acid was first detected at 3 days after exposure in both cats and dogs. Antibodies were detected starting 5 days after exposure, and titers were highest at 9 days in cats and 14 days in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study supported that cats and dogs primarily become infected with SARS-CoV-2 following exposure to a person with COVID-19, most often their owners. Case investigation and surveillance that include both people and animals are necessary to understand transmission dynamics and viral evolution of zoonotic diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sarah A Hamer
- 2Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- 3Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | - Italo B Zecca
- 1CDC, Atlanta, GA
- 2Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Edward Davila
- 2Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- 2Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | - Mary Lea Killian
- 6National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, USDA, Ames, IA
| | - Rachel M Tell
- 6National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, USDA, Ames, IA
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16
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Imanishi I, Asahina R, Hayashi S, Uchiyama J, Hisasue M, Yamasaki M, Murata Y, Morikawa S, Mizutani T, Sakaguchi M. Guest edited collection serological study of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in japanese cats using protein-A/G-based ELISA. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:443. [PMID: 36539820 PMCID: PMC9767852 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03527-7] [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: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the epidemic status of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in cats in Japan due to insufficiently reliable seroepidemiological analysis methods that are easy to use in cats. RESULTS We developed a protein-A/G-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in cats. The assay was standardized using positive rabbit antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The ELISA results were consistent with those of a conventional anti-feline-immunoglobulin-G (IgG)-based ELISA. To test the protein-A/G-based ELISA, we collected blood samples from 1,969 cats that had been taken to veterinary clinics in Japan from June to July 2020 and determined the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Nine cats were found to have SARS-CoV-2 S1-specific IgG, of which 4 had recombinant receptor-binding domain-specific IgG. Of those 9 samples, one showed neutralizing activity. Based on these findings, we estimated that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in cats in Japan was 0.05% (1/1,969 samples). This prevalence was consistent with the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in humans in Japan according to research conducted at that time. CONCLUSIONS Protein-A/G-based ELISA has the potential to be a standardized method for measuring anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats. The infection status of SARS-CoV-2 in cats in Japan might be linked to that in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Imanishi
- grid.410786.c0000 0000 9206 2938Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Ryota Asahina
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shunji Hayashi
- grid.410786.c0000 0000 9206 2938Department of Microbiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Jumpei Uchiyama
- grid.261356.50000 0001 1302 4472Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masaharu Hisasue
- grid.252643.40000 0001 0029 6233Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamasaki
- grid.411792.80000 0001 0018 0409Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Iwate University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yoshiteru Murata
- grid.136594.c0000 0001 0689 5974Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan ,Murata Animal Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shigeru Morikawa
- grid.444568.f0000 0001 0672 2184Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Okayama University of Science, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mizutani
- grid.136594.c0000 0001 0689 5974Research and Education Center for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Meller S, Al Khatri MSA, Alhammadi HK, Álvarez G, Alvergnat G, Alves LC, Callewaert C, Caraguel CGB, Carancci P, Chaber AL, Charalambous M, Desquilbet L, Ebbers H, Ebbers J, Grandjean D, Guest C, Guyot H, Hielm-Björkman A, Hopkins A, Kreienbrock L, Logan JG, Lorenzo H, Maia RDCC, Mancilla-Tapia JM, Mardones FO, Mutesa L, Nsanzimana S, Otto CM, Salgado-Caxito M, de los Santos F, da Silva JES, Schalke E, Schoneberg C, Soares AF, Twele F, Vidal-Martínez VM, Zapata A, Zimin-Veselkoff N, Volk HA. Expert considerations and consensus for using dogs to detect human SARS-CoV-2-infections. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1015620. [PMID: 36569156 PMCID: PMC9773891 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1015620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Meller
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany,*Correspondence: Sebastian Meller,
| | | | - Hamad Khatir Alhammadi
- International Operations Department, Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Guadalupe Álvarez
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillaume Alvergnat
- International Operations Department, Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lêucio Câmara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Chris Callewaert
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charles G. B. Caraguel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Paula Carancci
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Marios Charalambous
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Loïc Desquilbet
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, IMRB, Université Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | - Dominique Grandjean
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Claire Guest
- Medical Detection Dogs, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Hugues Guyot
- Clinical Department of Production Animals, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anna Hielm-Björkman
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Amy Hopkins
- Medical Detection Dogs, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - James G. Logan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom,Arctech Innovation, The Cube, Dagenham, United Kingdom
| | - Hector Lorenzo
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Fernando O. Mardones
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal and Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda,Rwanda National Joint Task Force COVID-19, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Cynthia M. Otto
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marília Salgado-Caxito
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal and Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Esther Schalke
- Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Clara Schoneberg
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anísio Francisco Soares
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Friederike Twele
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Victor Manuel Vidal-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Parasitología y Patología Acuática, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Ariel Zapata
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Zimin-Veselkoff
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal and Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Holger A. Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany,Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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18
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Jonczyk R, Stanislawski N, Seiler LK, Ahani S, Bueltemeier A, Stahl F, Beutel S, Blume H, Hauß C, Melk A, Paulsen M, Stiesch M, Winkel A, Pott PC, Saletti G, González-Hernández M, Kaiser FK, Rimmelzwaan GF, Osterhaus AD, Blume C. Comparison of two antibody screening systems for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection in recovered and vaccinated subjects - test performance and possible indicators for immunity. J Clin Virol 2022; 157:105322. [PMID: 36279696 PMCID: PMC9576262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2022.105322] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of seroconversion after SARS-CoV-2-infection or vaccination is relevant to discover subclinical cases and recognize patients with a possible immunity. OBJECTIVES Test performance, effects of age, time-point of seroconversion and immune status regarding neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and T-cell-reactivity were investigated. STUDY DESIGN Two antibody assays (Viramed-Test for S/N-specific IgG, Roche-Test for N-specific IgA, -M, -G) were evaluated with classified samples. In total, 381 subjects aged 6-99 years, who had either recovered from the disease or had been vaccinated, were screened for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. This screening was part of an open observational study with working adults. Additionally, children and adults were analyzed in a longitudinal COVID-19 study in schools. For immunity evaluation, virus neutralization tests and ELISpot tests were performed in a subgroup of subjects. RESULTS Viramed revealed a slightly lower test performance than Roche, but test quality was equally well in samples from very young or very old donors. The time-point of seroconversion after the respective immunization detected by the two tests was not significantly different. N-specific antibodies, detected with Roche, highly correlated with NAbs in recovered subjects, whereas a positive Viramed-Test result was paralleled by a positive ELISpot result. CONCLUSION Viramed-Test was not as sensitive as Roche-Test, but highly specific and beneficial to distinguish between recovered and vaccinated status. For both tests correlations with humoral and cellular immunity were found. Of note, the expected early detection of IgA and IgM by the Roche-Test did not prove to be an advantage over IgG testing by Viramed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jonczyk
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | - Nils Stanislawski
- Institute of Microelectronic Systems, Architectures and Systems Group, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa K. Seiler
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | - Somayeh Ahani
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | - Arne Bueltemeier
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank Stahl
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | - Sascha Beutel
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | - Holger Blume
- Institute of Microelectronic Systems, Architectures and Systems Group, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Anette Melk
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mira Paulsen
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meike Stiesch
- Clinic for Dental Prosthetics and Biomedical Materials Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Winkel
- Clinic for Dental Prosthetics and Biomedical Materials Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philipp-Cornelius Pott
- Clinic for Dental Prosthetics and Biomedical Materials Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Giulietta Saletti
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mariana González-Hernández
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Karola Kaiser
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Albert D.M.E. Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cornelia Blume
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany,Corresponding author
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19
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Wang A, Zhu X, Chen Y, Sun Y, Liu H, Ding P, Zhou J, Liu Y, Liang C, Yin J, Zhang G. Serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals in China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:986619. [PMID: 36532346 PMCID: PMC9748147 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.986619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted from human to companion animals. The national wide serological surveillance against SARS-CoV-2 was conducted among pet animals, mainly in cats and dogs, 1 year after the first outbreak of COVID-19 in China. All sera were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein. This late survey takes advantage of the short duration of the serological response in these animals to track recent episode of transmission. A total of 20,592 blood samples were obtained from 25 provinces across 7 geographical regions. The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cats was 0.015% (2/13397; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.0, 0.1). The virus infections in cats were only detected in Central (Hubei, 0.375%) and Eastern China (Zhejiang, 0.087%) with a seroprevalence estimated at 0.090 and 0.020%, respectively. In dogs, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was 0.014% (1/7159; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.1) in the entire nation, seropositive samples were limited to Beijing (0.070%) of Northern China with a prevalence of 0.054%. No seropositive cases were discovered in other geographic regions, nor in other companion animals analyzed in this study. These data reveal the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals, although transmission of the virus to domestic cats and dogs is low in China, continuous monitoring is helpful for the better understand of the virus transmission status and the effect on animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xifang Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaning Sun
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peiyang Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingming Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yankai Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chao Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Yin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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20
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Sangkachai N, Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan S, Thongdee M, Suksai P, Tangsudjai S, Wongluechai P, Suwanpakdee S, Wiriyarat W, Buddhirongawatr R, Prasittichai L, Skulpong A, Okada PA, Puthavathana P, Paungpin W. Serological and Molecular Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Captive Tigers ( Panthera tigris), Thailand. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233350. [PMID: 36496872 PMCID: PMC9736889 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233350] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Given the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in animals is important. To monitor SARS-CoV-2 infection in wildlife in Thailand, we collected 62 blood samples and nine nasal- and rectal-swab samples from captive tigers (Panthera tigris) in Ratchaburi province in Thailand during 2020-2021. A plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was employed to detect SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. A real-time RT-PCR assay was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Our findings demonstrated that four captive tigers (6.5%, 4/62) had SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies against Wuhan Hu-1 and the Delta variant, while no SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome could be detected in all swab samples. Moreover, a low-level titer of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron BA.2 subvariant could be found in only one seropositive tiger. The source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in these tigers most likely came from close contact with the infected animals' caretakers who engaged in activities such as tiger petting and feeding. In summary, we described the first case of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in captive tigers during the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand and provided seroepidemiological-based evidence of human-to-animal transmission. Our findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of COVID-19 among the captive tiger population and emphasize the need to adopt a One Health approach for preventing and controlling outbreaks of COVID-19 zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nareerat Sangkachai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Somjit Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Metawee Thongdee
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Parut Suksai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Siriporn Tangsudjai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Peerawat Wongluechai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Sarin Suwanpakdee
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Witthawat Wiriyarat
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Ruangrat Buddhirongawatr
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | | | - Anurux Skulpong
- Wildlife Rescue Center III (Khao Prathap Chang), Ratchaburi 70110, Thailand
| | | | - Pilaipan Puthavathana
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Weena Paungpin
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-896-701-400
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21
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Giner J, González A, Tobajas AP, Pérez MD, Lira-Navarrete E, González-Ramírez AM, Macías-León J, Verde M, Yzuel A, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Arias M, Santiago L, Aguiló-Gisbert J, Ruíz H, Lacasta D, Marteles D, Fernández A. A cross-sectional serosurvey of SARS-CoV-2 and co-infections in stray cats from the second wave to the sixth wave of COVID-19 outbreaks in Spain. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:615-629. [PMID: 36229725 PMCID: PMC9560875 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10016-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in humans. Among domestic animals, cats are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than dogs. The detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in seemingly healthy cats and/or infected cats which are in close contact with infected humans has been described. The presence of animals that tested positive by serology or molecular techniques could represent a potential transmission pathway of SARS-CoV-2 that can spill over into urban wildlife. This study analyses the seroprevalence variation of SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats from different waves of outbreaks in a geographical area where previous seroepidemiological information of SARS-CoV-2 was available and investigate if SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were exposed to other co-infections causing an immunosuppressive status and/or a chronic disease that could lead to a SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. For this purpose, a total of 254 stray cats from Zaragoza (Spain) were included. This analysis was carried out by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the receptor binding domain of Spike antigen and confirmed by serum virus neutralization assay. The presence of co-infections including Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, was evaluated using different serological methods. A seropositivity of 1.57% was observed for SARS-CoV-2 including the presence of neutralizing antibodies in three cats. None of the seropositive to SARS-CoV-2 cats were positive to feline coronavirus, however, four SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were also seropositive to other pathogens such as L. infantum, D. immitis and FIV (n = 1), L. infantum and D. immitis (n = 1) and L. infantum alone (n = 1).Considering other pathogens, a seroprevalence of 16.54% was detected for L. infantum, 30.31% for D. immitis, 13.78%, for T. gondii, 83.86% for feline calicivirus, 42.52% for feline herpesvirus type 1, 3.15% for FeLV and 7.87% for FIV. Our findings suggest that the epidemiological role of stray cats in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is scarce, and there is no increase in seropositivity during the different waves of COVID-19 outbreaks in this group of animals. Further epidemiological surveillances are necessary to determine the risk that other animals might possess even though stray cats do not seem to play a role in transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Mariví Martínez
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana González
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Erandi Lira-Navarrete
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Manuel González-Ramírez
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Macías-León
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, 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.,Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzada (LMA), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain.,, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maykel Arias
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Aguiló-Gisbert
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación, Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, Valencia, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
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22
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Lean FZX, Priestnall SL, Vitores AG, Suárez-Bonnet A, Brookes SM, Núñez A. Elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:564-568. [PMID: 36183613 PMCID: PMC9522311 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.09.024] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an enzyme within the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that plays a role in regulating blood pressure. However, it is also a cellular receptor for infection with SARS coronaviruses. Although most cats develop subclinical or mild disease following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) acquired from human patients, a previous study has suggested hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a potential risk factor for the development of severe disease in the cat. Herein we investigate the ACE2 protein expression in the lung, heart, and kidney from a small subset of cats with (n = 10) and without HCM (n = 10) by immunohistochemistry. The abundance and intensity of ACE2 expression is slightly elevated in alveoli (p = 0.09; 0.07, respectively) and bronchioles (p = 0.095; 0.37, respectively). However, statistically elevated abundance and intensity of ACE-2 expression was only evident in the heart of cats with HCM (p = 0.032; p = 0.011, respectively). Further investigation did not demonstrate a statistical correlation between the ACE2 expression in the heart in relation to the heart weight to body weight ratio, and the ventricular wall ratio. Current findings suggest an overexpression of ACE2 in HCM cases but follow up study is warranted to understand the pathophysiological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Z X Lean
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
| | - Simon L Priestnall
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK
| | - Ana Gómez Vitores
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Alejandro Suárez-Bonnet
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK
| | | | - Alejandro Núñez
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey, UK
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23
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Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Client-Owned Cats from Portugal. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070363. [PMID: 35878380 PMCID: PMC9315516 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The close contact between humans and domestic cats raises concerns about the potential risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Thus, this study aims to investigate anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in client-owned cats from Portugal and evaluate the infection risk of cats that maintain contact with human COVID-19 cases. A total of 176 cats, belonging to 94 households, were sampled. Cat owners answered an online questionnaire, and cats were screened for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using a commercial ELISA. Twenty (21.3%) households reported at least one confirmed human COVID-19 case. Forty cats (22.7%) belonged to a COVID-19-positive and 136 (77.3%) to a COVID-19-negative household. The seroprevalences of cats from COVID-19-positive and -negative households were 5.0% (2/40) and 0.7% (1/136). The two SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats from COVID-19-positive households had an indoor lifestyle, and their owners stated that they maintained a close and frequent contact with them, even after being diagnosed with COVID-19, pointing towards human-to-cat transmission. The SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cat from the COVID-19-negative household had a mixed indoor/outdoor lifestyle and chronic diseases. Owners of the three SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats did not notice clinical signs or behavior changes. This study highlights the low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from COVID-19-positive human household members to domestic cats, even in a context of close and frequent human–animal contact.
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24
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Bienzle D, Rousseau J, Marom D, MacNicol J, Jacobson L, Sparling S, Prystajecky N, Fraser E, Weese JS. Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Illness in Cats and Dogs1. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1154-1162. [PMID: 35608925 PMCID: PMC9155877 DOI: 10.3201/eid2806.220423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested swab specimens from pets in households in Ontario, Canada, with human COVID-19 cases by quantitative PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and surveyed pet owners for risk factors associated with infection and seropositivity. We tested serum samples for spike protein IgG and IgM in household pets and also in animals from shelters and low-cost neuter clinics. Among household pets, 2% (1/49) of swab specimens from dogs and 7.7% (5/65) from cats were PCR positive, but 41% of dog serum samples and 52% of cat serum samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG or IgM. The likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet samples was higher for cats but not dogs that slept on owners’ beds and for dogs and cats that contracted a new illness. Seropositivity in neuter-clinic samples was 16% (35/221); in shelter samples, 9.3% (7/75). Our findings indicate a high likelihood for pets in households of humans with COVID-19 to seroconvert and become ill.
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25
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de Oliveira-Filho EF, de Carvalho OV, Carneiro IO, Fernandes FD, Vaz SN, Pedroso C, Gonzalez-Auza L, Urbieta VC, Kühne A, Mayoral R, Jo WK, Moreira-Soto A, Reusken CBEM, Drosten C, Brites C, Osterrieder K, Netto EM, Ristow LE, Maia RDC, Vogel FSF, de Almeida NR, Franke CR, Drexler JF. Frequent Infection of Cats With SARS-CoV-2 Irrespective of Pre-Existing Enzootic Coronavirus Immunity, Brazil 2020. Front Immunol 2022; 13:857322. [PMID: 35450070 PMCID: PMC9016337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.857322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnivores such as cats and minks are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Brazil is a global COVID-19 hot spot and several cases of human-to-cat transmission have been documented. We investigated the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by testing 547 domestic cats sampled between July-November 2020 from seven states in southern, southeastern, and northeastern Brazil. Moreover, we investigated whether immune responses elicited by enzootic coronaviruses affect SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats. We found infection with significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers against the Gamma variant of concern, endemic in Brazil during 2020, than against an early SARS-CoV-2 B.1 isolate (p<0.0001), validating the use of Gamma for further testing. The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Brazilian cats during late 2020 validated by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) was 7.3% (95% CI, 5.3-9.8). There was no significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in cats between Brazilian states, suggesting homogeneous infection levels ranging from 4.6% (95% CI, 2.2-8.4) to 11.4% (95% CI, 6.7-17.4; p=0.4438). Seroprevalence of the prototypic cat coronavirus Feline coronavirus (FCoV) in a PRNT90 was high at 33.3% (95% CI, 24.9-42.5) and seroprevalence of Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) was low at 1.7% (95% CI, 0.2-5.9) in a PRNT90. Neutralizing antibody titers were significantly lower for FCoV than for SARS-CoV-2 (p=0.0001), consistent with relatively more recent infection of cats with SARS-CoV-2. Neither the magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers (p=0.6390), nor SARS-CoV-2 infection status were affected by FCoV serostatus (p=0.8863). Our data suggest that pre-existing immunity against enzootic coronaviruses neither prevents, nor enhances SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats. High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence already during the first year of the pandemic substantiates frequent infection of domestic cats and raises concerns on potential SARS-CoV-2 mutations escaping human immunity upon spillback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmilson F de Oliveira-Filho
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ianei O Carneiro
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Sara Nunes Vaz
- Disease Research Laboratory, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Célia Pedroso
- Disease Research Laboratory, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Lilian Gonzalez-Auza
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Carvalho Urbieta
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arne Kühne
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rafaela Mayoral
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Wendy K Jo
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrés Moreira-Soto
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chantal B E M Reusken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos Brites
- Disease Research Laboratory, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Martins Netto
- Disease Research Laboratory, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Rita de Cassia Maia
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Nadia Rossi de Almeida
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Franke
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
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26
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COVID-19: A Veterinary and One Health Perspective. J Indian Inst Sci 2022; 102:689-709. [PMID: 35968231 PMCID: PMC9364302 DOI: 10.1007/s41745-022-00318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
Interface with animals has been responsible for the occurrence of a major proportion of human diseases for the past several decades. Recent outbreaks of respiratory, haemorrhagic, encephalitic, arthropod-borne and other viral diseases have underlined the role of animals in the transmission of pathogens to humans. The on-going coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is one among them and is thought to have originated from bats and jumped to humans through an intermediate animal host. Indeed, the aetiology, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can infect and cause disease in cats, ferrets and minks, as well as be transmitted from one animal to another. The seriousness of the pandemic along with the zoonotic origin of the virus has been a red alert on the critical need for collaboration and cooperation among human and animal health professionals, as well as stakeholders from various other disciplines that study planetary health parameters and the well-being of the biosphere. It is therefore imminent that One Health principles are applied across the board for human infectious diseases so that we can be better prepared for future zoonotic disease outbreaks and pandemics.
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27
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Jonczyk R, Stanislawski N, Seiler LK, Blume H, Heiden S, Lucas H, Sarikouch S, Pott PC, Stiesch M, Hauß C, Saletti G, González-Hernández M, Kaiser FK, Rimmelzwaan G, Osterhaus A, Blume C. Combined Prospective Seroconversion and PCR Data of Selected Cohorts Indicate a High Rate of Subclinical SARS-CoV-2 Infections-an Open Observational Study in Lower Saxony, Germany. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0151221. [PMID: 35171028 PMCID: PMC8849099 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01512-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite lockdown measures, intense symptom-based PCR, and antigen testing, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic spread further. In this open observational study conducted in Lower Saxony, Germany, voluntary SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests were performed from April 2020 until June 2021, supported by serum antibody testing to prove whether PCR testing in subjects with none or few symptoms of COVID-19 is a suitable tool to manage the pandemic. In different mobile stations, 4,817 subjects from three different working fields participated in the PCR testing. Serum antibody screening using the SARS-CoV-2 ViraChip IgG (Viramed, Germany) and the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay (Roche, Germany) was performed alongside virus neutralization testing. Subjects were questioned regarding comorbidities and COVID-19 symptoms. Fifty-one subjects with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection were detected of which 31 subjects did not show any symptoms possibly characteristic for COVID-19. An additional 37 subjects reported a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (total prevalence 1.82%). Seroconversion was discovered in 58 subjects with known SARS-CoV-2 infection and in 58 subjects that never had a positive PCR test. The latter had a significantly lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, and one third of them were asymptomatic. In 50% of all seroconverted subjects, neutralizing serum antibodies (NAbs) were detectable in parallel to N/S1 (n = 16) or N/S1/S2 antigen specific antibodies (n = 40) against SARS-CoV-2. NAb titers decreased within 100 days after PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 acute infection by at least 2.5-fold. A relatively high rate of subclinical SARS-CoV-2 infections may contribute to the spread of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that in addition to other intervention strategies, systematic screening of asymptomatic persons by PCR testing may significantly enable better pandemic control. IMPORTANCE Within this open observational study, repeated PCR (n > 4,700) and antibody screening (n > 1,600) tests were offered in three different working fields. The study identified 51 subjects with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and 37 subjects reported to have had a positive PCR test taken externally. Thirty-one of the 51 subjects did not display any symptoms prior to testing. In addition, 58 subjects without PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified by seroconversion. Subjects, that had undergone SARS-CoV-2 infection without having noticed, more often had a low grade of immunization with no NAbs, but may have relevantly contributed to the spread of the pandemic. Based on these results, we suggest that both regular PCR and rapid test screening of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, specifically within groups or workplaces identifiable as having close quarter contact, thus increased infection transference risk, is necessary to better assess and therefore reduce the spread of a pandemic virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jonczyk
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nils Stanislawski
- Institute of Microelectronic Systems, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa K. Seiler
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Holger Blume
- Institute of Microelectronic Systems, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefanie Heiden
- Institute of Innovation Research, Technology Management & Entrepreneurship, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Henning Lucas
- Institute of Innovation Research, Technology Management & Entrepreneurship, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Samir Sarikouch
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplantation, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philipp-Cornelius Pott
- Clinic for Dental Prosthetics and Biomedical Materials Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meike Stiesch
- Clinic for Dental Prosthetics and Biomedical Materials Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Giulietta Saletti
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mariana González-Hernández
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Karola Kaiser
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Guus Rimmelzwaan
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Albert Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cornelia Blume
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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28
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SARS-CoV-2 infection in free-ranging white-tailed deer. Nature 2021; 602:481-486. [PMID: 34942632 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Humans have infected a wide range of animals with SARS-CoV-2 viruses1-5, but the establishment of a new natural animal reservoir has not been observed. Here, we document that free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are highly susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus, are exposed to a range of viral diversity from humans, and are capable of sustaining transmission in nature. SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected by rRT-PCR in more than one-third (129/360, 35.8%) of nasal swabs obtained from Odocoileus virginianus in northeast Ohio (USA) during January-March 2021. Deer in 6 locations were infected with 3 SARS-CoV-2 lineages (B.1.2, B.1.582, B.1.596). The B.1.2 viruses, dominant in humans in Ohio at the time, infected deer in four locations. Probable deer-to-deer transmission of B.1.2, B.1.582, and B.1.596 viruses was observed, allowing the virus to acquire amino acid substitutions in the spike protein (including the receptor-binding domain) and ORF1 that are infrequently seen in humans. No spillback to humans was observed, but these findings demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 viruses have the capacity to transmit in US wildlife, potentially opening new pathways for evolution. There is an urgent need to establish comprehensive "One Health" programs to monitor deer, the environment, and other wildlife hosts globally.
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