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Agüero B, Berrios F, Pardo-Roa C, Ariyama N, Bennett B, Medina RA, Neira V. First detection of Omicron variant BA.4.1 lineage in dogs, Chile. Vet Q 2024; 44:1-10. [PMID: 38174799 PMCID: PMC10769545 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2298089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2's rapid global spread caused the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020. Alongside humans, domestic dogs and cats are also susceptible to infection. However, limited reports on pet infections in Chile prompted a comprehensive study to address this knowledge gap. Between March 2021 and March 2023, the study assessed 65 pets (26 dogs and 39 cats) from 33 COVID-19+ households alongside 700 nasal swabs from animals in households with unknown COVID-19 status. Using RT-PCR, nasal, fecal, and environmental samples were analyzed for the virus. In COVID-19+ households, 6.06% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, belonging to 3 dogs, indicating human-to-pet transmission. Pets from households with unknown COVID-19 status tested negative for the virus. We obtained 2 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from animals, that belonged to Omicron BA.4.1 variant, marking the first report of pets infected with this lineage globally. Phylogenetic analysis showed these sequences clustered with human sequences collected in Chile during the same period when the BA.4.1 variant was prevalent in the country. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Chilean pets was relatively low, likely due to the country's high human vaccination rate. Our study highlights the importance of upholding and strengthening human vaccination strategies to mitigate the risk of interspecies transmission. It underscores the critical role of the One Health approach in addressing emerging zoonotic diseases, calling for further research on infection dynamics and risk factors for a comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Agüero
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - F. Berrios
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - C. Pardo-Roa
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Nursing, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - N. Ariyama
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - B. Bennett
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - RA. Medina
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - V. Neira
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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2
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Ferrara G, Pagnini U, Montagnaro S. SARS-CoV-2 exposure in hunting and stray dogs of southern Italy. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10496-9. [PMID: 39167256 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10496-9] [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: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Evidence of exposure to the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 has been described in numerous animal species, including pets, which are predisposed to coming into contact with this virus due to their close relationship with owners. It has been accepted that dogs are poorly susceptible to this virus and that seroconversion, rather than shedding, occurs following infection, which can occur directly through contact with infected owners or indirectly through environmental contamination. In this study, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated in apparently health hunting and stray dogs of Campania region, southern Italy (sampled in September 2023). A total of 5/112 (4.5%) animals tested seropositive using two different commercial ELISAs. Stray animals had greater exposure than hunting dogs. The feces and blood of each animal were tested with a real-time PCR targeting the nucleocapsid and ORF1ab coding sequences. No animal tested positive in molecular investigations, indicating a past exposure without active infection at the time of sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Ferrara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino n.1, Naples, 80137, Italy.
| | - Ugo Pagnini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino n.1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino n.1, Naples, 80137, Italy
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Kimmerlein AK, McKee TS, Bergman PJ, Sokolchik I, Leutenegger CM. The Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19-Diagnosed People to Their Pet Dogs and Cats in a Multi-Year Surveillance Project. Viruses 2024; 16:1157. [PMID: 39066319 PMCID: PMC11281334 DOI: 10.3390/v16071157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks, such as that of SARS-CoV-2, have demonstrated the need for wider companion animal disease surveillance. We tested 1000 dogs and cats belonging to employees of a US veterinary hospital network that were exposed to human COVID-19 cases in the household between 1 January 2020 and 10 March 2022 for SARS-CoV-2 and surveyed their owners about clinical signs and risk factors. The seropositivity was 33% for 747 dogs and 27% for 253 cats. Pet seropositivity correlated with the US human case rates over time, exhibiting peaks corresponding with the major COVID-19 surges. Antibodies persisted longer than previously documented (828 days in dogs; 650 days in cats). Increasing age and duration of proximity to infected people were associated with increased seropositivity in dogs but not cats. Cats were more likely to have clinical signs, but an association between seropositivity and the presence of clinical signs was not found in either species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Talon S. McKee
- VCA Clinical Studies, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; (T.S.M.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Philip J. Bergman
- VCA Clinical Studies, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; (T.S.M.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Irina Sokolchik
- Immunology R&D, Antech Diagnostics, Brownsburg, IN 46112, USA;
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Daigle L, Khalid H, Gagnon CA, Arsenault J, Bienzle D, Bisson SK, Blais MC, Denis-Robichaud J, Forest C, Grenier St-Sauveur V, Koszegi M, MacNicol J, Nantel-Fortier N, Nury C, Prystajecky N, Fraser E, Carabin H, Aenishaenslin C. High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in cats recently exposed to human cases. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:304. [PMID: 38982461 PMCID: PMC11232172 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary objective of this cross-sectional study, conducted in Québec and Bristish Columbia (Canada) between February 2021 and January 2022, was to measure the prevalence of viral RNA in oronasal and rectal swabs and serum antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) amongst cats living in households with at least one confirmed human case. Secondary objectives included a description of potential risk factors for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and an estimation of the association between the presence of viral RNA in swabs as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and clinical signs. Oronasal and rectal swabs and sera were collected from 55 cats from 40 households at most 15 days after a human case confirmation, and at up to two follow-up visits. A RT-qPCR assay and an ELISA were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in swabs and serum SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, respectively. Prevalence and 95% Bayesian credibility intervals (BCI) were calculated, and associations were evaluated using prevalence ratio and 95% BCI obtained from Bayesian mixed log-binomial models. RESULTS Nine (0.16; 95% BCI = 0.08-0.28) and 38 (0.69; 95% BCI = 0.56-0.80) cats had at least one positive RT-qPCR and at least one positive serological test result, respectively. No risk factor was associated with the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies. The prevalence of clinical signs suggestive of COVID-19 in cats, mainly sneezing, was 2.12 (95% BCI = 1.03-3.98) times higher amongst cats with detectable viral RNA compared to those without. CONCLUSIONS We showed that cats develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 when exposed to recent human cases, but detection of viral RNA on swabs is rare, even when sampling occurs soon after confirmation of a human case. Moreover, cats with detectable levels of virus showed clinical signs more often than cats without signs, which can be useful for the management of such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Daigle
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada.
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada.
| | - Hattaw Khalid
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, UBC Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carl A Gagnon
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center - FRQ, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL), Centre de Diagnostic Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal (CDVUM), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - Julie Arsenault
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - Dorothee Bienzle
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah-Kim Bisson
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Blais
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - José Denis-Robichaud
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
- Independent Researcher, Amqui, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Forest
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - Valérie Grenier St-Sauveur
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL), Centre de Diagnostic Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal (CDVUM), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - Marika Koszegi
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL), Centre de Diagnostic Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal (CDVUM), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - Jennifer MacNicol
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nicolas Nantel-Fortier
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL), Centre de Diagnostic Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal (CDVUM), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - Charlotte Nury
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
| | - Natalie Prystajecky
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erin Fraser
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, UBC Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hélène Carabin
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada
| | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada
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Tavera Gonzales A, Bazalar Gonzales J, Silvestre Espejo T, Leiva Galarza M, Rodríguez Cueva C, Carhuaricra Huamán D, Luna Espinoza L, Maturrano Hernández A. Possible Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 from Humans to Captive Non-Human Primates in the Peruvian Amazon. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:732. [PMID: 38473117 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050732] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human-to-animal transmission events of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) have been reported in both domestic and wild species worldwide. Despite the high rates of contagion and mortality during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Diseases 2019) pandemic in Peru, no instances of natural virus infection have been documented in wild animals, particularly in the Amazonian regions where human-wildlife interactions are prevalent. In this study, we conducted a surveillance investigation using viral RNA sequencing of fecal samples collected from 76 captive and semi-captive non-human primates (NHPs) in the Loreto, Ucayali, and Madre de Dios regions between August 2022 and February 2023. We detected a segment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of SARS-CoV-2 by metagenomic sequencing in a pooled fecal sample from captive white-fronted capuchins (Cebus unicolor) at a rescue center in Bello Horizonte, Ucayali. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the retrieved partial sequence of the RdRp gene matched the SARS-CoV-2 genome. This study represents the first documented instance of molecular SARS-CoV-2 detection in NHPs in the Peruvian Amazon, underscoring the adverse impact of anthropic activities on the human-NHP interface and emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance for early detection and prediction of future emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tavera Gonzales
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Jhonathan Bazalar Gonzales
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
- Asociación Equipo Primatológico del Perú, Iquitos 16008, Peru
| | - Thalía Silvestre Espejo
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Milagros Leiva Galarza
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Carmen Rodríguez Cueva
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Dennis Carhuaricra Huamán
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Bioinformática, Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 1010, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Luis Luna Espinoza
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Abelardo Maturrano Hernández
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
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6
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Khalil AM, Martinez-Sobrido L, Mostafa A. Zoonosis and zooanthroponosis of emerging respiratory viruses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1232772. [PMID: 38249300 PMCID: PMC10796657 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1232772] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung infections in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) are triggered by a variety of respiratory viruses. All human pandemics have been caused by the members of two major virus families, namely Orthomyxoviridae (influenza A viruses (IAVs); subtypes H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2) and Coronaviridae (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2). These viruses acquired some adaptive changes in a known intermediate host including domestic birds (IAVs) or unknown intermediate host (SARS-CoV-2) following transmission from their natural reservoirs (e.g. migratory birds or bats, respectively). Verily, these acquired adaptive substitutions facilitated crossing species barriers by these viruses to infect humans in a phenomenon that is known as zoonosis. Besides, these adaptive substitutions aided the variant strain to transmit horizontally to other contact non-human animal species including pets and wild animals (zooanthroponosis). Herein we discuss the main zoonotic and reverse-zoonosis events that occurred during the last two pandemics of influenza A/H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2. We also highlight the impact of interspecies transmission of these pandemic viruses on virus evolution and possible prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. Based on information available and presented in this review article, it is important to close monitoring viral zoonosis and viral reverse zoonosis of pandemic strains within a One-Health and One-World approach to mitigate their unforeseen risks, such as virus evolution and resistance to limited prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Magdy Khalil
- Disease Intervention & Prevention and Host Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Luis Martinez-Sobrido
- Disease Intervention & Prevention and Host Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Disease Intervention & Prevention and Host Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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7
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Heydarifard Z, Chegeni AM, Heydarifard F, Nikmanesh B, Salimi V. An overview of SARS-CoV2 natural infections in companion animals: A systematic review of the current evidence. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2512. [PMID: 38282405 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2512] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of natural SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals. The findings show that these infections are relatively rare. Among the examined dogs, only 1.32% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while for cats, the rate was 1.55%. Infections in rabbits and ferrets were even less common, at less than 1%. These results support previous research indicating the infrequency of natural infections in companion animals. The review also includes updated studies that involved various pets, such as cats, dogs, ferrets, and rabbits. The majority of the studies analyzed were primarily concerned with screening pets that visited veterinary clinics, regardless of whether they showed any specific signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Only a limited number of studies investigated infections in animals suspected of being in contact with owners or other animals that had COVID-19 or were exhibiting symptoms. The most common variant identified among the SARS-CoV-2 variants in the reviewed studies was B.1.1.7 (alpha), followed by B.1.617.2 (delta), B.1.526 (Iota), and others. The emergence of these variants raises concerns about their potential for increased transmissibility and virulence, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections in both humans and animals. Furthermore, most of the reviewed studies indicated that infected pets either showed no symptoms or experienced mild symptoms. This aligns with previous reports suggesting that animals infected with SARS-CoV-2 generally have less severe illness compared to humans. However, it is essential to recognize the possibility of severe illness or death in animals, particularly those with underlying health conditions. Continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals is crucial for better understanding the virus's epidemiology in animals and developing effective strategies to protect both animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Heydarifard
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ardalan Maleki Chegeni
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Heydarifard
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Bahram Nikmanesh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Zoonoses Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Salimi
- Zoonoses Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Virology Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Sparrer MN, Hodges NF, Ragan I, Yamashita T, Reed KJ, Sherman TJ, Mayer T, Maichak C, Adney DR, Carpenter M, Webb TL, Mayo C. SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in a veterinary health system provides insight into transmission risks. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2024; 262:93-99. [PMID: 38103381 PMCID: PMC11234244 DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.05.0229] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 in companion and exotic animals in a veterinary healthcare system. SAMPLE A total of 341 animals were sampled by a combination of oral and nasal swabs. Serum from whole blood was collected from a subset of animals (86 canines, 25 felines, and 6 exotic animals). METHODS After informed owner consent, convenience samples from client-owned animals and the pets of students and staff members associated with Colorado State University's Veterinary Health System were collected between May 2021 and September 2022. Study samples were collected by trained veterinarians, Veterinary Health System staff, and veterinary students. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by reverse transcription PCR in 1.6% (95% CI, 0.5% to 4.6%) of domestic canines and 1.1% (95% CI, 0.2% to 6.1%) of domestic felines. No RNA was detected in any of the exotic animal species tested (n = 66). Plaque reduction neutralization tests indicated that 12.8% (95% CI, 7.3% to 21.5%) of canines and 12.0% (95% CI, 4.2% to 30.0%) of felines had neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study provides insight regarding SARS-CoV-2 spillover in domestic companion and exotic animals and contributes to our understanding of transmission risk in the veterinary setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie N Sparrer
- 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Natasha F Hodges
- 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Izabela Ragan
- 3Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Tyler Yamashita
- 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Kirsten J Reed
- 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Tyler J Sherman
- 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Treana Mayer
- 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Courtney Maichak
- 4Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Danielle R Adney
- 5Department of Life Sciences, Lovelace Biomedical, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Molly Carpenter
- 3Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Tracy L Webb
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Christie Mayo
- 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
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9
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Marquez DR, Agnew J, Barnett DJ, Davis MF, Dalton KR. Assessing US Small Animal Veterinary Clinic Adaptations and Their Impacts on Workforce COVID-19 Preparedness and Response. Health Secur 2023; 21:450-458. [PMID: 37971808 PMCID: PMC10777815 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2023.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Veterinary personnel are an essential yet often underappreciated workforce, critical for zoonotic disease prevention and response efforts that impact human health. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, the veterinary workforce supported emergency responses by promoting zoonotic disease risk communication, sharing animal health expertise, and boosting laboratory surge capacity against SARS-CoV-2 in animals and people. However, small animal veterinary workers (SAVWs), similar to healthcare workers, faced organizational challenges in providing clinical care to family pets, including those susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. We analyzed a cross-sectional survey of 1,204 SAVWs in the United States to assess veterinary clinic adaptations and their associations with SAVWs' self-perceived readiness, willingness, and ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as a workforce. SAVWs who worked fewer hours than before the pandemic (ready, OR 0.59; willing, OR 0.66; able, OR 0.52) or used personal protective equipment less frequently for protection in the clinic (ready, OR 0.69; willing, OR 0.69; able, OR 0.64) felt less ready, willing, and able to respond to COVID-19. SAVWs working remotely felt less ready (OR 0.46) but not less willing or able to respond to COVID-19. Lastly, SAVWs with dependents felt less ready (OR 0.67) and able (OR 0.49) to respond to COVID-19 than SAVWs without dependents. Our findings highlight the importance of proactively managing work schedules, having access to personal protective equipment, and addressing caregiving concerns to enhance SAVW preparedness and response outcomes. SAVWs are knowledgeable, motivated personnel who should be integrated into local public health emergency preparedness and response plans, supporting a One Health framework that unites multidisciplinary teams to respond to future zoonotic disease threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Marquez
- David R. Marquez, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- David Marquez is also a Veterinary Preventive Medicine Officer, US Army Veterinary Corps, Medical Center of Excellence, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
| | - Jacqueline Agnew
- Jacqueline Agnew, MPH, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus, in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Daniel J. Barnett
- Daniel J. Barnett, MD, MPH, in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Meghan F. Davis
- Meghan F. Davis, DVM, MPH, PhD, are Associate Professors, in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kathryn R. Dalton
- Kathryn R. Dalton, DVM, PhD, MPH, is an IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
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10
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Happi AN, Ayinla AO, Ogunsanya OA, Sijuwola AE, Saibu FM, Akano K, George UE, Sopeju AE, Rabinowitz PM, Ojo KK, Barrett LK, Van Voorhis WC, Happi CT. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Terrestrial Animals in Southern Nigeria: Potential Cases of Reverse Zoonosis. Viruses 2023; 15:1187. [PMID: 37243273 PMCID: PMC10222409 DOI: 10.3390/v15051187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since SARS-CoV-2 caused the COVID-19 pandemic, records have suggested the occurrence of reverse zoonosis of pets and farm animals in contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive humans in the Occident. However, there is little information on the spread of the virus among animals in contact with humans in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in various animals in Nigeria. Overall, 791 animals from Ebonyi, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo States, Nigeria were screened for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-qPCR (n = 364) and IgG ELISA (n = 654). SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates were 45.9% (RT-qPCR) and 1.4% (ELISA). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in almost all animal taxa and sampling locations except Oyo State. SARS-CoV-2 IgGs were detected only in goats from Ebonyi and pigs from Ogun States. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 infectivity rates were higher in 2021 than in 2022. Our study highlights the ability of the virus to infect various animals. It presents the first report of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in poultry, pigs, domestic ruminants, and lizards. The close human-animal interactions in these settings suggest ongoing reverse zoonosis, highlighting the role of behavioral factors of transmission and the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to spread among animals. These underscore the importance of continuous monitoring to detect and intervene in any eventual upsurge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anise N. Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
| | - Akeemat O. Ayinla
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
| | - Olusola A. Ogunsanya
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
| | - Ayotunde E. Sijuwola
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
| | - Femi M. Saibu
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
| | - Kazeem Akano
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Uwem E. George
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Adebayo E. Sopeju
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
| | - Peter M. Rabinowitz
- Center for One Health Research, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
| | - Kayode K. Ojo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (K.K.O.); (L.K.B.); (W.C.V.V.)
| | - Lynn K. Barrett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (K.K.O.); (L.K.B.); (W.C.V.V.)
| | - Wesley C. Van Voorhis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (K.K.O.); (L.K.B.); (W.C.V.V.)
| | - Christian T. Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.A.O.); (A.E.S.); (F.M.S.); (K.A.); (U.E.G.); (A.E.S.); (C.T.H.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 23210, Osun State, Nigeria
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11
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Hecht G, Sarbo N, Svoboda W, Mead HL, Ruberto I, Altin JA, Engelthaler DM, Venkat H, Yaglom HD. "Sniffing" out SARS-CoV-2 in Arizona working dogs: an exploratory serosurvey. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1166101. [PMID: 37215472 PMCID: PMC10196159 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1166101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Susceptibility to and infection with SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals has been well-documented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveillance for the virus in dogs has largely been focused on household pets; however, other canine populations may also be impacted. We partnered with a local veterinary hospital with a high working dog patient volume to conduct viral and neutralizing antibody testing in working dogs and identify potential risk factors in the dog's work and home environments. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in law enforcement and security working dogs in Arizona found 24.81% (32/129) of dogs to be seropositive. Thirteen dogs presenting with clinical signs or with reported exposure to COVID-19 in the 30 days prior to sample collection were also tested by PCR; all samples were negative. 90.7% (n = 117) of dogs were reported to be asymptomatic or have no change in performance at the time of sampling. Two dogs (1.6%) had suspected anosmia as reported by their handlers; one of which was seropositive. Known exposure to the dog's COVID-19 positive handler or household member was identified as a significant risk factor. Demographics factors including sex, altered status, and type of work were not associated with canine seropositivity. Further work is warranted to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases in working dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavriella Hecht
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Nathan Sarbo
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Wayne Svoboda
- Hayden Road Animal Hospital, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Heather L. Mead
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Irene Ruberto
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - John A. Altin
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | | | - Heather Venkat
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Preparedness and Response, Career Epidemiology Field Officer Program, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hayley D. Yaglom
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
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12
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Bae J, Ro C, Kang Y, Ga E, Na W, Song D. Human-to-Animal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, South Korea, 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1066-1067. [PMID: 37081604 PMCID: PMC10124666 DOI: 10.3201/eid2905.221359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission from humans to animals in Seoul, South Korea, we submitted samples from companion animals owned by persons with confirmed COVID-19. Real-time PCR indicated higher SARS-CoV-2 viral infection rates for dogs and cats than previously reported from the United States and Europe. Host-specific adaptations could introduce mutant SARS-CoV-2 to humans.
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13
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Lenguiya LH, Fritz M, De Fonclare DDR, Corbet S, Becquart P, Mbou C, Nguie RJ, Mouellet WS, Demboux JEL, Issamou Mayengue P, Koukouikila-Koussounda F, Ar Gouilh M, Leroy EM, Niama FR. Whole-Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Reveals Simultaneous Circulation of Three Variants and a Putative Recombination (20B/20H) in Pets, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040933. [PMID: 37112914 PMCID: PMC10142050 DOI: 10.3390/v15040933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, cases of pets infected with variants circulating among humans were reported. In order to evaluate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation among pets in the Republic of the Congo, we conducted a ten-month study of dogs and cats living in COVID-19-positive households in Brazzaville and neighboring localities. Real-time PCR and the Luminex platform were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 RBD and S proteins, respectively. Our results show for the first time the simultaneous circulation of several variants of SARS-CoV-2, including viruses from clades 20A and 20H and a putative recombinant variant between viruses from clades 20B and 20H. We found a high seroprevalence of 38.6%, with 14% of tested pets positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Thirty-four percent of infected pets developed mild clinical signs, including respiratory and digestive signs, and shed the virus for about one day to two weeks. These results highlight the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 interspecies transmission and the benefits of a "One Health" approach that includes SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and surveillance of viral diversity in pets. This approach aims to prevent transmission to surrounding wildlife as well as spillback to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthieu Fritz
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité Mixte de Recherche Mivegec, BP34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Daphné de Riols De Fonclare
- UNICAEN, Department of Viroloy, University of Rouen Normandie, Inserm Dynamicure UMR 1311, BP14000 Caen, France
| | - Sandrine Corbet
- UNICAEN, Department of Viroloy, University of Rouen Normandie, Inserm Dynamicure UMR 1311, BP14000 Caen, France
| | - Pierre Becquart
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité Mixte de Recherche Mivegec, BP34090 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Pembe Issamou Mayengue
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville BP69, Congo
- Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Brazzaville BP120, Congo
| | - Félix Koukouikila-Koussounda
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville BP69, Congo
- Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Brazzaville BP120, Congo
| | - Meriadeg Ar Gouilh
- UNICAEN, Department of Viroloy, University of Rouen Normandie, Inserm Dynamicure UMR 1311, BP14000 Caen, France
| | - Eric M Leroy
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité Mixte de Recherche Mivegec, BP34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Fabien Roch Niama
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville BP69, Congo
- Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Brazzaville BP120, Congo
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14
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Spada E, Bruno F, Castelli G, Vitale F, Reale S, Biondi V, Migliazzo A, Perego R, Baggiani L, Proverbio D. Do Blood Phenotypes of Feline AB Blood Group System Affect the SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Serostatus in Cats? Viruses 2022; 14:v14122691. [PMID: 36560695 PMCID: PMC9783645 DOI: 10.3390/v14122691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats are susceptible to coronavirus infections, including infection by human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In human ABO system blood groups, alloantibodies can play a direct role in resistance to infectious diseases. Individuals with the AB blood type were over-represented in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group. Blood type AB individuals lack both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, and therefore lack the protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection given by these antibodies. Starting from this knowledge, this pilot preliminary study evaluated a possible association between feline blood phenotypes A, B, and AB and serostatus for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats. We also investigated selected risk or protective factors associated with seropositivity for this coronavirus. A feline population of 215 cats was analysed for AB group system blood phenotypes and antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N-protein) SARS-CoV-2 antigen using a double antigen ELISA. SARS-CoV-2 seropositive samples were confirmed using a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Origin (stray colony/shelter/owned cat), breed (DSH/non DSH), gender (male/female), reproductive status (neutered/intact), age class (kitten/young adult/mature adult/senior), retroviruses status (seropositive/seronegative), and blood phenotype (A, B, and AB) were evaluated as protective or risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Seropositivity for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein was recorded in eight cats, but only four of these tested positive with sVNT. Of these four SARS-CoV-2 seropositive cats, three were blood phenotype A and one was phenotype AB. Young adult age (1-6 years), FeLV seropositivity and blood type AB were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity according to a univariate analysis, but only blood type AB (p = 0.0344, OR = 15.4, 95%CI: 1.22-194.39) and FeLV seropositivity (p = 0.0444, OR = 13.2, 95%CI: 1.06-163.63) were significant associated risk factors according to a logistic regression. Blood phenotype AB might be associated with seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This could be due, as in people, to the protective effect of naturally occurring alloantibodies to blood type antigens which are lacking in type AB cats. The results of this pilot study should be considered very preliminary, and we suggest the need for further research to assess this potential relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Spada
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Bruno
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Germano Castelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Reale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Migliazzo
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Area Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, UOC Sanità Animale, Igiene Degli Allevamenti e Produzioni Zootecniche, Asl Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Roberta Perego
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Luciana Baggiani
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniela Proverbio
- Laboratorio di Ricerca di Medicina Emotrasfusionale Veterinaria (REVLab), Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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