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Choi A, Stout AE, Rollins A, Wang K, Guo Q, Javier AJ, Kennedy M, Wagner B, Whittaker GR. SARS-CoV-2 Serosurvey of healthy, privately owned cats presenting to a New York City animal hospital in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580068. [PMID: 38405835 PMCID: PMC10888843 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, not only infects humans but is also known to infect various species, including domestic and wild animals. While many species have been identified as susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, there are limited studies on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in animals. Both domestic and non-domestic cats are now established to be susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. While serious disease in cats may occur in some instances, the majority of infections appear to be subclinical. Differing prevalence data for SARS-CoV-2 infection of cats have been reported, and are highly context-dependent. Here, we report a retrospective serological survey of cats presented to an animal practice in New York City, located in close proximity to a large medical center that treated the first wave of COVID-19 patients in the U.S. in the Spring of 2020. We sampled 79, mostly indoor, cats between June 2020 to May 2021, the early part of which time the community was under a strict public health "lock-down". Using a highly sensitive and specific fluorescent bead-based multiplex assay, we found an overall prevalence of 13/79 (16%) serologically-positive animals for the study period; however, cats sampled in the Fall of 2020 had a confirmed positive prevalence of 44%. For SARS-CoV-2 seropositive cats, we performed viral neutralization test with live SARS-CoV-2 to additionally confirm presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. Of the thirteen seropositive cats, 7/13 (54%) were also positive by virus neutralization, and two of seropositive cats had previously documented respiratory signs, with high neutralization titers of 1/1024 and 1/4096; overall however, there was no statistically significant association of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity with respiratory signs, or with breed, sex or age of the animals. Follow up sampling of cats showed that positive serological titers were maintained over time. In comparison, we found an overall confirmed positive prevalence of 51% for feline coronavirus (FCoV), an endemic virus of cats, with 30% confirmed negative for FCoV. We demonstrate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 in a defined feline population during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection of humans, and suggest that human-cat transmission was substantial in our study group. Our study provide a new context for SARS-CoV-2 transmission events across species. Significance SARS-CoV-2 has a broad animal tropism and can infect a wide range of animal species, leading to an expansion of the viral reservoir. Expansion of this viral reservoir may result in the accumulation of mutations within these species, potentially giving rise to new viral variants and facilitating reverse zoonotic transmission. Domestic cats are particularly noteworthy in this regard due to their close contact with humans. Currently, there are very limited studies on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic cats during the early stages of the pandemic, especially in the United States. This retrospective study addresses the gap by investigating seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in cats in New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States during the early pandemic. Our work underscores the importance of adopting a One Health approach to pandemic prevention and conducting routine surveillance across different animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Choi
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, New York NY
| | | | | | - Kally Wang
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, New York NY
- Public Health Program, New York NY
| | - Qinghua Guo
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, New York NY
- Public Health Program, New York NY
| | | | - Monica Kennedy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca NY and Sutton Animal Hospital, New York NY
| | | | - Gary R. Whittaker
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, New York NY
- Public & Ecosystem Health, New York NY
- Public Health Program, New York NY
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2
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Venkat H, Yaglom HD, Hecht G, Goedderz A, Ely JL, Sprenkle M, Martins T, Jasso-Selles D, Lemmer D, Gesimondo J, Ruberto I, Komatsu K, Engelthaler DM. Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Companion Animals in Households with Confirmed Human COVID-19 Cases. Pathogens 2024; 13:466. [PMID: 38921764 PMCID: PMC11206992 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060466] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to characterize SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals living in households with COVID-19-positive people and understand the dynamics surrounding how these animals become infected. Public health investigators contacted households with at least one confirmed, symptomatic person with COVID-19 for study recruitment. Blood, nasal, and rectal swab specimens were collected from pet dogs and cats and a questionnaire was completed. Specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, and for neutralizing antibodies; genomic sequencing was performed on viral-positive samples. A total of 36.4% of 110 pets enrolled had evidence of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Pets were more likely to test positive if the pet was immunocompromised, and if more than one person in the home was positive for COVID-19. Among 12 multi-pet households where at least one pet was positive, 10 had at least one other pet test positive. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the genomes of viral lineages circulating in the community during the time of sample collection. Our findings suggest a high likelihood of viral transmission in households with multiple pets and when pets had very close interactions with symptomatic humans. Further surveillance studies are needed to characterize how new variants impact animals and to understand opportunities for infection and spillover in susceptible species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Venkat
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA; (G.H.); (I.R.); (K.K.)
- Career Epidemiology Field Officer Program, Center for Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Hayley D. Yaglom
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA (D.L.); (D.M.E.)
| | - Gavriella Hecht
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA; (G.H.); (I.R.); (K.K.)
| | - Andrew Goedderz
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA (D.L.); (D.M.E.)
| | - Jennifer L. Ely
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA (D.L.); (D.M.E.)
| | - Michael Sprenkle
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA (D.L.); (D.M.E.)
| | - Taylor Martins
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA; (G.H.); (I.R.); (K.K.)
| | - Daniel Jasso-Selles
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA (D.L.); (D.M.E.)
| | - Darrin Lemmer
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA (D.L.); (D.M.E.)
| | | | - Irene Ruberto
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA; (G.H.); (I.R.); (K.K.)
| | - Kenneth Komatsu
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA; (G.H.); (I.R.); (K.K.)
| | - David M. Engelthaler
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Pathogen and Microbiome Division, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA (D.L.); (D.M.E.)
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3
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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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4
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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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5
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Nilsson MG, Santana Cordeiro MDC, Gonçalves ACA, Dos Santos Conzentino M, Huergo LF, Vicentini F, Reis JBL, Biondo AW, Kmetiuk LB, da Silva AV. High seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs: Age as risk factor for infection in shelter and foster home animals. Prev Vet Med 2024; 222:106094. [PMID: 38103433 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused 775 outbreaks in 29 animal species across 36 countries, including dogs, cats, ferrets, minks, non-human primates, white-tailed deer, and lions. Although transmission from owners to dogs has been extensively described, no study to date has also compared sheltered, foster home and owner dogs and associated risk factors. This study aimed to identify SARS-CoV-2 infection and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from sheltered, fostered, and owned dogs, associated with environmental and management risk factors. Serum samples and swabs were collected from each dog, and an epidemiological questionnaire was completed by the shelter manager, foster care, and owner. A total of 111 dogs, including 222 oropharyngeal and rectal swabs, tested negative by RT-qPCR. Overall, 18/89 (20.22%) dogs presented IgG antibodies against the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 by magnetic ELISA, while none showed a reaction to the Spike protein. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies showed an age-related association, with 4.16 chance of positivity in adult dogs when compared with young ones. High population density among dogs and humans, coupled with repeated COVID-19 exposure, emerged as potential risk factors in canine virus epidemiology. Dogs exhibited higher seropositivity rates in these contexts. Thus, we propose expanded seroepidemiological and molecular studies across species and scenarios, including shelter dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Guimarães Nilsson
- Graduate College of Animal Science in the Tropics, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), 40170-110 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Fernando Vicentini
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of the Recôncavo of Bahia (UFRB), 44430-622 Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Jeiza Botelho Leal Reis
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of the Recôncavo of Bahia (UFRB), 44430-622 Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), 81531-970 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba, Paraná 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Aristeu Vieira da Silva
- Zoonosis and Public Health Research Group, Earth and Environmental Science Modelling Graduate, State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), 44036-900 Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil.
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6
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Bae DY, Yang JH, Moon SH, Kim WH, Yoo DS, Park CK, Shin YK, Kang HE, Tark D, Oh Y, Cho HS. Demonstration of SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Korean Native Cattle and Korean Native Black Goats in Korea. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3498. [PMID: 38003116 PMCID: PMC10668742 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223498] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 virus. A wide range of animals that interact with humans have been investigated to identify potential infections. As the extent of infection became more apparent, extensive animal monitoring became necessary to assess their susceptibility. This study analyzed nasal swabs and blood samples collected from randomly selected Korean native cattle and Korean native black goats. The tests conducted included real-time qPCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigens, an ELISA to detect antibodies, and a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to determine the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Among the 1798 animals tested (consisting of 1174 Korean native cattle and 624 Korean native black goats), SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in one Korean native cattle and one Korean native black goat. ELISA testing revealed positive results for antibodies in 54 Korean native cattle (4.60%) and 16 Korean native black goats (2.56%), while PRNTs yielded positive results in 51 Korean native cattle (4.34%) and 14 Korean native black goats (2.24%). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens and/or antibodies was identified in animals on farms where farmworkers were already infected. It is challenging to completely rule out the possibility of reverse zoonotic transmission from humans to livestock in Korea, although the transmission is not to the same extent as it is in highly susceptible animal species like minks, cats, and dogs. This is due to the limited geographical area and the dense, intensive farming practices implemented in these regions. In conclusion, continuous viral circulation between humans and animals is inevitable, necessitating ongoing animal monitoring to ensure public health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Yun Bae
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea; (D.-Y.B.); (S.-H.M.)
| | - Ju-Hee Yang
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.Y.); (D.T.)
| | - Sung-Hyun Moon
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea; (D.-Y.B.); (S.-H.M.)
| | - Woo H. Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dae-Sung Yoo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea;
| | - Choi-Kyu Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungbuk National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yeun-Kyung Shin
- Foreign Animal Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Republic of Korea; (Y.-K.S.); (H.-E.K.)
| | - Hae-Eun Kang
- Foreign Animal Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Republic of Korea; (Y.-K.S.); (H.-E.K.)
| | - Dongseob Tark
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.Y.); (D.T.)
| | - Yeonsu Oh
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Seong Cho
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea; (D.-Y.B.); (S.-H.M.)
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Meller S, Caraguel C, Twele F, Charalambous M, Schoneberg C, Chaber AL, Desquilbet L, Grandjean D, Mardones FO, Kreienbrock L, de la Rocque S, Volk HA. Canine olfactory detection of SARS-CoV-2-infected humans-a systematic review. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 85:68-85. [PMID: 37209927 PMCID: PMC10195768 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To complement conventional testing methods for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 infections, dogs' olfactory capability for true real-time detection has been investigated worldwide. Diseases produce specific scents in affected individuals via volatile organic compounds. This systematic review evaluates the current evidence for canine olfaction as a reliable coronavirus disease 2019 screening tool. METHODS Two independent study quality assessment tools were used: the QUADAS-2 tool for the evaluation of laboratory tests' diagnostic accuracy, designed for systematic reviews, and a general evaluation tool for canine detection studies, adapted to medical detection. Various study design, sample, dog, and olfactory training features were considered as potential confounding factors. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies from 15 countries were evaluated. Respectively, four and six studies had a low risk of bias and high quality: the four QUADAS-2 nonbiased studies resulted in ranges of 81%-97% sensitivity and 91%-100% specificity. The six high-quality studies, according to the general evaluation system, revealed ranges of 82%-97% sensitivity and 83%-100% specificity. The other studies contained high bias risks and applicability and/or quality concerns. CONCLUSIONS Standardization and certification procedures as used for canine explosives detection are needed for medical detection dogs for the optimal and structured usage of their undoubtful potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Meller
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Charles Caraguel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; OIE Diagnostic Test Validation Science in the Asia-Pacific Region, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Friederike Twele
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marios Charalambous
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Clara Schoneberg
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - 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
| | - Fernando O Mardones
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Holger A Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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8
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Tinto B, Revel J, Virolle L, Chenet B, Reboul Salze F, Ortega A, Beltrame M, Simonin Y. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Domestics and Exotic Animals in Southern France. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:426. [PMID: 37755888 PMCID: PMC10534723 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090426] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since late 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a significant global threat to public health. Responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, this new coronavirus has prompted extensive scientific research to comprehend its transmission dynamics, especially among humans. However, as our understanding deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that SARS-CoV-2's impact goes beyond human populations. Recent investigations have illuminated the transmission of the virus between humans and various animal species, raising important questions about zoonotic spillover events and their potential implications for both human and animal health. Our study set out to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals (dogs and cats) and zoo animals in the south of France in 2021 and 2022, covering pre-Omicron and Omicron waves. We identified evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies not only in domestic dogs and cats but also in several mammals in zoos. This study shows the importance of implementing surveillance measures, including serological studies, to identify and monitor cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bachirou Tinto
- Centre MURAZ, Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso;
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, 34394 Montpellier, France;
| | - Justine Revel
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, 34394 Montpellier, France;
| | - Laurie Virolle
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.V.); (B.C.)
| | - Baptiste Chenet
- Parc de Lunaret—Zoo de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (L.V.); (B.C.)
| | | | - Alix Ortega
- Sigean African Reserve, 11130 Sigean, France; (A.O.)
| | | | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, 34394 Montpellier, France;
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Jaramillo Hernández DA, Chacón MC, Velásquez MA, Vásquez-Trujillo A, Sánchez AP, Salazar Garces LF, García GL, Velasco-Santamaría YM, Pedraza LN, Lesmes-Rodríguez LC. Seroprevalence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in domestic dogs and cats and its relationship with COVID-19 cases in the city of Villavicencio, Colombia. F1000Res 2023; 11:1184. [PMID: 37965037 PMCID: PMC10643872 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.125780.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, different animal species have been implicated as possible intermediate hosts that could facilitate the transmission of the virus between species. The detection of these hosts has intensified, reporting wild, zoo, farm, and pet animals. The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins (IgG) in domestic dogs and cats and its epidemiological association with the frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Villavicencio, Colombia. Methods: 300 dogs and 135 cats were randomly selected in a two-stage distribution by clusters according to COVID-19 cases (positive RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2) within the human population distributed within the eight communes of Villavicencio. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was applied in order to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in sera samples. Kernel density estimation was used to compare the prevalence of COVID-19 cases with the seropositivity of dogs and cats. Results: The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was 4.6% (95% CI=3.2-7.4). In canines, 3.67% (95% CI=2.1-6.4) and felines 6.67% (95% CI=3.6-12.18). Kernel density estimation indicated that seropositive cases were concentrated in the southwest region of the city. There was a positive association between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet animals and their habitat in Commune 2 (adjusted OR=5.84; 95% CI=1.1-30.88). Spearman's correlation coefficients were weakly positive ( p=0.32) between the ratio of COVID-19 cases in November 2020 and the results for domestic dogs and cats from the eight communes of Villavicencio. Conclusions: In the present research cats were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection than dogs. This study provides the first positive results of anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA serological tests in domestic dogs and cats in Colombia with information about the virus transmission dynamics in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Clara Chacón
- Programa de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Escuela de Ciencias Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Meta, 1745, Colombia
| | - María Alejandra Velásquez
- Programa de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Escuela de Ciencias Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Meta, 1745, Colombia
| | - Adolfo Vásquez-Trujillo
- Escuela de Ciencias Animales, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Meta, 1745, Colombia
| | - Ana Patricia Sánchez
- Secretaria de Salud Municipal, Alcaldía de Villavicencio, Villavicencio, Meta, 110221, Colombia
| | - Luis Fabian Salazar Garces
- Research and Development Department (DIDE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Technical University of Ambato, Ambato, Ambato, Av. Colombia and Chile s/n, Ecuador
| | - Gina Lorena García
- Escuela de Ciencias Animales, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Meta, 1745, Colombia
| | | | - Luz Natalia Pedraza
- Escuela de Ciencias Animales, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Meta, 1745, Colombia
| | - Lida Carolina Lesmes-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología & Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Meta, 1745, Colombia
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Cupertino MDC, Freitas AND, Meira GSB, Silva PAMD, Pires SDS, Cosendey TDA, Fernandes TM, Mayers NAJ, Siqueira-Batista R. COVID-19 and One Health: potential role of human and animals in SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. SCIENCE IN ONE HEALTH 2023; 2:100017. [PMID: 39077046 PMCID: PMC10238119 DOI: 10.1016/j.soh.2023.100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in humans has zoonotic tendencies, which can potentially provoke cross-species transmission, including human-to-animal and animal-to-human infection. Consequently, the objective was to analyze the scientific evidence regarding SARS-CoV-2 animal infections from potential human transmission. A systematic review was executed following the PRISMA guidelines, in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and LILACS, using the descriptors combined in the following way: (("SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19" OR "2019-nCoV") AND (animals OR zoonosis)). The results contemplated the viral susceptibility of about thirty animal species when induced naturally and/or experimentally. The mink & hamster species demonstrated ostensible animal-to-human transmission. Overall, there have been more reports of human contamination by other species than human retransmission from the pathogen. The natural infection of the virus was discovered in domestic dogs & cats, wild cats, deer, minks, rabbits and hamsters. Several animals, including the African green monkeys and rabbits, manifested high levels of viremia, respiratory secretions and fecal excretions of infectious virus conducive to environmental/aerosol transmission. It is still inadequately documented the intrinsic role of such processes, such as the animals' involvement in viral mutations, the emergence of new variants/lineages and the role of the animal host species. Accordingly, this research model type, natural and experimental analysis on varying animal species, corroborates the link between the two aforementioned forms of transmission. Epidemiological surveillance through extensive sequencing of the viral genomes of infected animals and humans can reveal the SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes and anticipate appropriate prophylactic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marli do Carmo Cupertino
- School of Medicine, Faculdade Dinâmica do Vale do Piranga (FADIP), Ponte Nova, MG, Brazil
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, MG, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Nery Dias Freitas
- School of Medicine, Faculdade Dinâmica do Vale do Piranga (FADIP), Ponte Nova, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sarah de Souza Pires
- School of Medicine, Faculdade Dinâmica do Vale do Piranga (FADIP), Ponte Nova, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Siqueira-Batista
- School of Medicine, Faculdade Dinâmica do Vale do Piranga (FADIP), Ponte Nova, MG, Brazil
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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11
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Soggiu F, Sabbatinelli J, Giuliani A, Benedetti R, Marchegiani A, Sgarangella F, Tibaldi A, Corsi D, Procopio AD, Calgaro S, Olivieri F, Spaterna A, Zampieri R, Rippo MR. Sensitivity and specificity of in vivo COVID-19 screening by detection dogs: Results of the C19-Screendog multicenter study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15640. [PMID: 37251897 PMCID: PMC10209336 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15640] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Trained dogs can recognize the volatile organic compounds contained in biological samples of patients with COVID-19 infection. We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of in vivo SARS-CoV-2 screening by trained dogs. We recruited five dog-handler dyads. In the operant conditioning phase, the dogs were taught to distinguish between positive and negative sweat samples collected from volunteers' underarms in polymeric tubes. The conditioning was validated by tests involving 16 positive and 48 negative samples held or worn in such a way that the samples were invisible to the dog and handler. In the screening phase the dogs were led by their handlers to a drive-through facility for in vivo screening of volunteers who had just received a nasopharyngeal swab from nursing staff. Each volunteer who had already swabbed was subsequently tested by two dogs, whose responses were recorded as positive, negative, or inconclusive. The dogs' behavior was constantly monitored for attentiveness and wellbeing. All the dogs passed the conditioning phase, their responses showing a sensitivity of 83-100% and a specificity of 94-100%. The in vivo screening phase involved 1251 subjects, of whom 205 had a COVID-19 positive swab and two dogs per each subject to be screened. Screening sensitivity and specificity were respectively 91.6-97.6% and 96.3-100% when only one dog was involved, whereas combined screening by two dogs provided a higher sensitivity. Dog wellbeing was also analyzed: monitoring of stress and fatigue suggested that the screening activity did not adversely impact the dogs' wellbeing. This work, by screening a large number of subjects, strengthen recent findings that trained dogs can discriminate between COVID-19 infected and healthy human subjects and introduce two novel research aspects: i) assessement of signs of fatigue and stress in dogs during training and testing, and ii) combining screening by two dogs to improve detection sensitivity and specificity. Using some precautions to reduce the risk of infection and spillover, in vivo COVID-19 screening by a dog-handler dyad can be suitable to quickly screen large numbers of people: it is rapid, non-invasive and economical, since it does not involve actual sampling, lab resources or waste management, and is suitable to screen large numbers of people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Soggiu
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, ATS Sardegna, Italy
- Progetto Serena APS, Cinto Caomaggiore, Italy
| | - Jacopo Sabbatinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelica Giuliani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Marchegiani
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Diagnostic, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Diagnostic, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Spaterna
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rita Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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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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Kuhlmeier E, Chan T, Meli ML, Willi B, Wolfensberger A, Reitt K, Hüttl J, Jones S, Tyson G, Hosie MJ, Zablotski Y, Hofmann-Lehmann R. A Risk Factor Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Animals in COVID-19-Affected Households. Viruses 2023; 15:731. [PMID: 36992440 PMCID: PMC10051903 DOI: 10.3390/v15030731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals that have close contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive humans ("COVID-19 households") has been demonstrated in several countries. This prospective study aimed to determine the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in animals from Swiss COVID-19 households and to assess the potential risk factors for infection. The study included 226 companion animals (172 cats, 76.1%; 49 dogs, 21.7%; and 5 other animals, 2.2%) from 122 COVID-19 households with 336 human household members (including 230 SARS-CoV-2-positive people). The animals were tested for viral RNA using an RT-qPCR and/or serologically for antibodies and neutralizing activity. Additionally, surface samples from animal fur and beds underwent an RT-qPCR. A questionnaire about hygiene, animal hygiene, and contact intensity was completed by the household members. A total of 49 of the 226 animals (21.7%) from 31 of the 122 households (25.4%) tested positive/questionably positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 37 of the 172 cats (21.5%) and 12 of the 49 dogs (24.5%). The surface samples tested positive significantly more often in households with SARS-CoV-2-positive animals than in households with SARS-CoV-2-negative animals (p = 0.011). Significantly more animals tested positive in the multivariable analysis for households with minors. For cats, a shorter length of outdoor access and a higher frequency of removing droppings from litterboxes were factors that were significantly associated with higher infection rates. The study emphasizes that the behavior of owners and the living conditions of animals can influence the likelihood of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the infection transmission and dynamics in animals, as well as to identify the possible risk factors for animals in infected households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Kuhlmeier
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Tatjana Chan
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Aline Wolfensberger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Katja Reitt
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (K.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Julia Hüttl
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (K.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Sarah Jones
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (S.J.); (G.T.)
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Grace Tyson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (S.J.); (G.T.)
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
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14
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Jarrah SA, Kmetiuk LB, Valleriani F, Bonfini B, Lorusso A, Vasinioti V, Decaro N, dos Santos MT, Spohr KAH, Pratelli A, Serroni A, Capista S, Sousa VRF, Biondo AW, Nakazato L, Dutra V. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats in a highly infected area of Brazil during the pandemic. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1111728. [PMID: 36908526 PMCID: PMC9995883 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1111728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 was a worldwide threat during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state of Mato Grosso had the second highest mortality rate in Brazil, with 427. 4 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. However, no large-scale study among dogs and cats in such highly infected areas of Brazil has so far been conducted. Accordingly, the present study reports on a serosurvey among dogs and cats in Cuiabá, capital of Mato Grosso from November 2020 to July 2021, where the human mortality rate was 605/100,000 at that time. Overall, 33/762 dogs (4.3%) and 4/182 cats (2.2%) were found to be seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 through ELISA, and 3/762 dogs (0.4%) and 3/182 cats (1.6%) were seropositive through the serum neutralization test. Cats presented higher seroprevalence with higher titers of neutralizing antibodies. Although N-protein based ELISA may be a good screening test, cross-reactivity with other canine coronaviruses may impair its diagnostic use among dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Afif Jarrah
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Fabrizia Valleriani
- Department of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, TE, Italy
| | - Barbara Bonfini
- Department of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, TE, Italy
| | - Alessio Lorusso
- Department of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, TE, Italy
| | - Violetta Vasinioti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | | | | | - Annamaria Pratelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Anna Serroni
- Department of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, TE, Italy
| | - Sara Capista
- Department of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, TE, Italy
| | | | | | - Luciano Nakazato
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Valéria Dutra
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
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15
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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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Diezma-Díaz C, Álvarez-García G, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Miró G, Villanueva-Saz S, Dolores Pérez M, Verde MT, Galán-Malo P, Brun A, Moreno S, Checa R, Montoya A, Van Voorhis WC, Ortega-Mora LM. A comparative study of eight serological methods shows that spike protein-based ELISAs are the most accurate tests for serodiagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infections in cats and dogs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1121935. [PMID: 36777670 PMCID: PMC9909348 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1121935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Monitoring the infection in pets is recommended for human disease surveillance, prevention, and control since the virus can spread from people to animals during close contact. Several diagnostic tests have been adapted from humans to animals, but limited data on the validation process are available. Methods Herein, the first comparative study of six "in house" and two commercial serological tests developed to monitor SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets was performed with a well-coded panel of sera (61 cat sera and 74 dog sera) with a conservative criterion (viral seroneutralisation and/or RT-qPCR results) as a reference. Four "in house" tests based on either the RBD fragment of the spike protein (RBD-S) or the N-terminal fragment of the nucleoprotein (N) were developed for the first time. The analytical specificity (ASp) of those tests that showed the best diagnostic performance was assessed. The validation included the analysis of a panel of sera obtained pre-pandemic from cats and dogs infected with other coronaviruses to determine the analytical Sp (17 cat sera and 41 dog sera). Results and discussion ELISAS based on the S protein are recommended in serosurveillance studies for cats (RBD-S SALUVET ELISA, ELISA COVID UNIZAR and INgezim® COVID 19 S VET) and dogs (INgezim® COVID 19 S VET and RBD-S SALUVET ELISA). These tests showed higher diagnostic sensitivity (Se) and DSp in cats (>90%) than in dogs. When sera obtained prior to the pandemic and from animals infected with other coronaviruses were analyzed by RBD-S and N SALUVET ELISAs and INgezim® COVID 19 S VET, a few cross reactors or no cross reactions were detected when dog and cat sera were analyzed by tests based on the S protein, respectively. In contrast, the number of cross reactions increased when the test was based on the N protein. Thus, the use of tests based on the N protein was discarded for serodiagnosis purposes. The results obtained revealed the most accurate serological tests for each species. Further studies should attempt to improve the diagnostic performance of serological tests developed for dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
- SALUVET-Innova S.L., Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET-Innova S.L., Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- PetParasiteLab, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza University and Agro-food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, AgriFood Institute of Aragón (IA2) Zaragoza University and Agro-food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza University and Agro-food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Brun
- Animal Health Research Centre, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology/Spanish National Research Council (INIA/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Animal Health Research Centre, Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology/Spanish National Research Council (INIA/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Checa
- PetParasiteLab, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- PetParasiteLab, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wesley C. Van Voorhis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Kuhlmeier E, Chan T, Agüí CV, Willi B, Wolfensberger A, Beisel C, Topolsky I, Beerenwinkel N, Stadler T, Jones S, Tyson G, Hosie MJ, Reitt K, Hüttl J, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Detection and Molecular Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant and the Specific Immune Response in Companion Animals in Switzerland. Viruses 2023; 15:245. [PMID: 36680285 PMCID: PMC9864232 DOI: 10.3390/v15010245] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In human beings, there are five reported variants of concern of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, in contrast to human beings, descriptions of infections of animals with specific variants are still rare. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals in close contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive owners ("COVID-19 households") with a focus on the Delta variant. Samples, obtained from companion animals and their owners were analyzed using a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Animals were also tested for antibodies and neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2. Eleven cats and three dogs in nine COVID-19-positive households were RT-qPCR and/or serologically positive for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. For seven animals, the genetic sequence could be determined. The animals were infected by one of the pangolin lineages B.1.617.2, AY.4, AY.43 and AY.129 and between zero and three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected between the viral genomes of animals and their owners, indicating within-household transmission between animal and owner and in multi-pet households also between the animals. NGS data identified SNPs that occur at a higher frequency in the viral sequences of companion animals than in viral sequences of humans, as well as SNPs, which were exclusively found in the animals investigated in the current study and not in their owners. In conclusion, our study is the first to describe the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant transmission to animals in Switzerland and provides the first-ever description of Delta-variant pangolin lineages AY.129 and AY.4 in animals. Our results reinforce the need of a One Health approach in the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Kuhlmeier
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tatjana Chan
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Valenzuela Agüí
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aline Wolfensberger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Topolsky
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Stadler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Sarah Jones
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Grace Tyson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Katja Reitt
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Julia Hüttl
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Sirakov I, Rusenova N, Rusenov A, Gergova R, Strateva T. Human ELISA Detects anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Cats: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Virus Spread in Domestic and Stray Cats in Bulgaria. Vet Sci 2023; 10:42. [PMID: 36669043 PMCID: PMC9861929 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify whether the human DR-ELISA for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can be applied in cats, and to assess the risk factors that determine the spread of the virus among the cat population in Bulgaria. The study included 92 serum samples collected from 68 domestic and 24 stray cats aged from 3 months to 20 years of age in the period of January-June 2021. The samples originated from three regions in Bulgaria and from three places of inhabitance. DR-ELISA based on peroxidase-labeled SARS-CoV-2 N protein was employed to detect IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies in the samples. Subsequently, the results were compared with a commercially available multi-species ELISA kit. There was high seroprevalence (83.33%) in stray cats and 41.18% in domestic cats, confirmed by the human and veterinary ELISA kit. The positive cases in the regional cities were 42.86%, in small towns 50% and in villages 78.26%. Cats under 7 years had a five times higher risk than those over 7 years (p = 0.001). The risk was seven times higher for stray cats than for domestic cats (p = 0.001). In addition, the results indicate that the risk was the highest for cats in villages (p = 0.006) compared to cats in other places of inhabitance. This study demonstrates that human DR-ELISA may be successfully applied to monitor the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and other susceptible species. Cats might serve as sentinel animals for tracking the virus in nature and in inhabited areas (strays) and to discover asymptomatic cases in humans/owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Sirakov
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University—Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolina Rusenova
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Anton Rusenov
- Department of Internal Noninfectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Raina Gergova
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University—Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Strateva
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University—Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
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19
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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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20
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Animal Models to Test SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: Which Ones Are in Use and Future Expectations. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010020. [PMID: 36678369 PMCID: PMC9861368 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010020] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since late 2019 and early 2020, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists are rushing to develop treatment and prevention methods to combat SARS-CoV-2. Among these are vaccines. In view of this, the use of animals as experimental models, both to investigate the immunopathology of the disease and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vaccines, is mandatory. This work aims to describe, through recent scientific articles found in reliable databases, the animal models used for the in vivo testing of COVID-19 vaccines, demonstrating some possibilities of more advantageous/gold-standard models for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The majority of the studies use rodents and primates. Meanwhile, the most adequate model to be used as the gold standard for in vivo tests of COVID-19 vaccines is not yet conclusive. Promising options are being discussed as new tests are being carried out and new SARS-CoV-2 variants are emerging.
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21
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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
| | | | - 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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22
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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; 14:2691. [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
| | - Federica Bruno
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) Della Sicilia A. Mirri, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - 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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23
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Pappas G, Vokou D, Sainis I, Halley JM. SARS-CoV-2 as a Zooanthroponotic Infection: Spillbacks, Secondary Spillovers, and Their Importance. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2166. [PMID: 36363758 PMCID: PMC9696655 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the midst of a persistent pandemic of a probable zoonotic origin, one needs to constantly evaluate the interplay of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2) with animal populations. Animals can get infected from humans, and certain species, including mink and white-tailed deer, exhibit considerable animal-to-animal transmission resulting in potential endemicity, mutation pressure, and possible secondary spillover to humans. We attempt a comprehensive review of the available data on animal species infected by SARS-CoV-2, as presented in the scientific literature and official reports of relevant organizations. We further evaluate the lessons humans should learn from mink outbreaks, white-tailed deer endemicity, zoo outbreaks, the threat for certain species conservation, the possible implication of rodents in the evolution of novel variants such as Omicron, and the potential role of pets as animal reservoirs of the virus. Finally, we outline the need for a broader approach to the pandemic and epidemics, in general, incorporating the principles of One Health and Planetary Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pappas
- Institute of Continuing Medical Education of Ioannina, 45333 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Despoina Vokou
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sainis
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - John M. Halley
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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24
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Evidence of Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in Dogs and Cats from Households and Animal Shelters in Korea. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202786. [PMID: 36290173 PMCID: PMC9597771 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the zoonotic SARS-CoV-2. A variety of animals involved in human life worldwide have been investigated for infection. As the degree of infection increased, extensive monitoring in animals became necessary to determine the degree of infection in animals. The study was conducted on a sample of dogs and cats, which were randomly sampled according to the number of confirmed cases in the region. Animals from both COVID-19-confirmed households and generally disease-negative families and animal shelters were included. Tests included real-time qPCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 antigens, ELISA for antibodies, and plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT) for neutralizing antibodies. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in 2 cats out of 1018 pets (672 dogs and 346 cats). A total of 16 dogs (2.38%) and 18 cats (5.20%) tested positive using ELISA, and 14 dogs (2.08%) and 17 cats (4.91%) tested positive using PRNT. Antigens of- and/or antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the animals regardless of whether the companion family was infected; this was the case even in animal shelters, which have been regarded as relatively safe from transmission. In conclusion, continuous viral circulation between humans and animals is inevitable; therefore, continuous monitoring in animals is required.
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25
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Li X, Liu H, Tong Y. Concerns on cross-species transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between pets and humans. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:985528. [PMID: 36212862 PMCID: PMC9532748 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.985528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xingguang Li
- Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Xingguang Li
| | - Haizhou Liu
- National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Yigang Tong
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26
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Kaczorek-Łukowska E, Wernike K, Beer M, Wróbel M, Małaczewska J, Mikulska-Skupień E, Malewska K, Mielczarska I, Siwicki AK. High Seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 among Dogs and Cats, Poland, 2021/2022. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2016. [PMID: 36009608 PMCID: PMC9404425 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for a pandemic in the human population that has unfolded since the beginning of 2020 and has led to millions of deaths globally. Apart from humans, SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed in various animal species, including felines, canines, mustelids, and primates. Of these species, dogs and cats are the most popular companion animals worldwide. Several seroprevalence studies have already been performed in these animal species; however, the results vary depending on the location and especially the time of sampling. Here, serum samples were collected from a total of 388 dogs and 243 cats from three veterinary clinics in two cities (Gdańsk and Olsztyn) in Poland between October 2021 and February 2022, when the country was in the midst of the fourth wave of viral spread. All sera were tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by a multispecies ELISA based on the receptor-binding domain and by an indirect immunofluorescence assay (iIFA). Overall, 18.9% of the feline sera and 16.0% of the canine sera tested positive using ELISA and iIFA. This relatively high seroprevalence among randomly selected animals is most likely related to the high case numbers in the human population and indicates a continuous occurrence of transspecies virus transmissions from infected owners to their pets. Hence, dogs and cats should be included in monitoring studies and/or outbreak investigations for a better understanding of the epidemiology of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Kaczorek-Łukowska
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald—Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald—Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Małgorzata Wróbel
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Małaczewska
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | - Karolina Malewska
- Veterinary Polyclinic, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 14, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Krzysztof Siwicki
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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Li R, Shao G, Xie Z, Hu Z, Feng K, He J, Wang H, Fu J, Zhang X, Xie Q. Construction and Immunogenicity of a Recombinant Pseudorabies Virus Expressing SARS-CoV-2-S and SARS-CoV-2-N. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:920087. [PMID: 35982925 PMCID: PMC9380597 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.920087] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus (CoV) is an important pathogen of humans and animals, which can infect humans or animals through the respiratory mucosal route. Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is quite similar to syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) with the same receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The S and N proteins are the most important protective antigens of the SARS-CoV-2. The S protein on the viral membrane mediates the virus attachment with the host cells, and the N protein is the most abundant expression during infection. In this study, the recombinant viruses expressing the S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 were successfully constructed by Red/ET recombinant technology using Pseudorabies virus (PRV) strain Bartha-K61 as a vector. Genetic stability and growth kinetics analysis showed that the recombinant viruses rPRV-SARS-CoV-2-S and rPRV-SARS-CoV-2-N had similar genetic stability and proliferation characteristics to the parental PRV. The immunoassay results showed that mice immunized with recombinant viruses could produce total IgG antibodies. Therefore, PRV is feasible and promising as a viral vector to express SARS-CoV-2-S and SARS-CoV-2-N genes. This study can provide a reference for future research on live vector vaccines for domestic animals, pets, and wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoying Li
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology & Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanming Shao
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology & Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi Xie
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology & Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zezhong Hu
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology & Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keyu Feng
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology & Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui He
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology & Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-infectives, Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-infectives, Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinheng Zhang
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology & Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Health Aquaculture and Environmental Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingmei Xie
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology & Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Health Aquaculture and Environmental Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qingmei Xie
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28
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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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29
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Development of Nested PCR for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Its Application for Diagnosis of Active Infection in Cats. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060272. [PMID: 35737324 PMCID: PMC9231004 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019 and found diagnostic laboratories unprepared worldwide. To meet the need for timely and accurate virus detection, laboratories used rapid Ag tests and PCR kits based on costly multi-channel real-time techniques. This study aimed to develop a conventional nested PCR based on the SARS-CoV-2 N gene, validate it against some approved assays, and apply it to samples from six cats with respiratory symptoms obtained in early 2020 during the first COVID-19 wave in humans in Bulgaria. The nested PCR technique showed 100% sensitivity and specificity; it could detect extracted SARS-CoV-2 RNA at concentrations as low as 0.015 ng/μL. The results identified the six tested cat samples as positive. Sequence analysis performed in two of them confirmed this. The presented technique is reliable, easy to implement and inexpensive, and can be successful in strategies for the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, cats and other susceptible species.
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30
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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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31
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Bessière P, Vergne T, Battini M, Brun J, Averso J, Joly E, Guérin JL, Cadiergues MC. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Companion Animals: Prospective Serological Survey and Risk Factor Analysis in France. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061178. [PMID: 35746652 PMCID: PMC9229200 DOI: 10.3390/v14061178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19 in people, has been detected in companion animals on rare occasions. A limited number of large-scale studies have investigated the exposure of companion animals to SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this prospective study was to estimate seroprevalence in privately owned dogs and cats presented in veterinary clinics in different French regions and to test the hypothesis that the occurrence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household and close contact with the owner would increase the chances of the animals being seropositive. One hundred and sixty-five dogs and 143 cats were blood-sampled between March 2020 and December 2021. Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 8.4% of cats (12/143) and 5.4% of dogs (9/165). Seven animals (three dogs and four cats) were seropositive in the absence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household. Despite not being statistically significant (chi-square test, p-value = 0.55), our data may suggest that the occurrence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household could increase the risk of animal seropositivity (odds ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval = 0.55–3.77). This survey indirectly shows that SARS-CoV-2 circulates in canine and feline populations, but its circulation appears to be too low for pets to act as a significant viral reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bessière
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France; (P.B.); (T.V.); (M.B.); (J.-L.G.)
| | - Timothée Vergne
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France; (P.B.); (T.V.); (M.B.); (J.-L.G.)
| | - Matéo Battini
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France; (P.B.); (T.V.); (M.B.); (J.-L.G.)
| | - Jessie Brun
- Small Animal Clinic, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France; (J.B.); (J.A.)
| | - Julien Averso
- Small Animal Clinic, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France; (J.B.); (J.A.)
| | - Etienne Joly
- Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31400 Toulouse, France;
| | - Jean-Luc Guérin
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France; (P.B.); (T.V.); (M.B.); (J.-L.G.)
| | - Marie-Christine Cadiergues
- Small Animal Clinic, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France; (J.B.); (J.A.)
- INFINITy, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UT3, ENVT, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence:
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