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Mūrniece G, Šteingolde Ž, Cvetkova S, Valciņa O, Zrelovs Ņ, Brīvība M, Kloviņš J, Birzniece L, Megnis K, Fridmanis D, Bērziņš A, Kovaļčuka L, Kovaļenko K. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats (Felis catus) during COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1338. [PMID: 38140758 PMCID: PMC10951624 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1338] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is of zoonotic origin and has shown reverse zoonotic transmissibility. OBJECTIVES The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the serological and molecular prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the domestic cat (Felis catus) population from Latvia in natural conditions and subsequently perform viral genome analysis. METHODS Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs and blood samples were collected from 273 domestic cats during the second wave of COVID-19 infection in Latvia. Molecular prevalence was determined by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum samples were analysed via double antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting the antibody against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. Positive swab samples were analysed using whole viral genome sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome sequencing data of the samples was performed. RESULTS The overall SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity and seroprevalence was 1.1% (3/273) and 2.6% (7/273), respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from three RT-PCR positive cats were assigned to the three common lineages (PANGOLIN lineage S.1.; B.1.177.60. and B.1.1.7.) circulating in Latvia during the particular period of time. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that feline infection with SARS-CoV-2 occurred during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia, yet the overall prevalence was low. In addition, it seems like no special 'cat' pre-adaptations were necessary for successful infection of cats by the common lineages of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gundega Mūrniece
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
| | - Žanete Šteingolde
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Svetlana Cvetkova
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Olga Valciņa
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | | | - Monta Brīvība
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study CentreRigaLatvia
| | - Jānis Kloviņš
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study CentreRigaLatvia
| | | | | | | | - Aivars Bērziņš
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
- Institute of Food SafetyAnimal Health and Environment “BIOR”RigaLatvia
| | - Līga Kovaļčuka
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
| | - Kaspars Kovaļenko
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineLatvia University of Life Sciences and TechnologiesJelgavaLatvia
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2
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Silva MJA, Santana DS, Lima MBM, Silva CS, de Oliveira LG, Monteiro EOL, Dias RDS, Pereira BDKB, Nery PADS, Ferreira MAS, Sarmento MADS, Ayin AAN, Mendes de Oliveira AC, Lima KVB, Lima LNGC. Assessment of the Risk Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence between Cats and Dogs in America and Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2024; 13:314. [PMID: 38668269 PMCID: PMC11053406 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represented a huge obstacle for public health and demonstrated weaknesses in surveillance and health promotion systems around the world. Its etiological agent, SARS-CoV-2, of zoonotic origin, has been the target of several studies related to the control and prevention of outbreaks and epidemics of COVID-19 not only for humans but also for animals. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, have extensive contact with humans and can acquire the infection both naturally and directly from humans. The objective of this article was to summarize the seroprevalence findings of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats and correlate them with the strength of infection risk between each of them. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the recommendations of PRISMA 2020. The search and selection of papers was carried out using in vivo experimental works with animals using the descriptors (MeSH/DeCS) "Animal", "Public Health", "SARS-CoV-2" and "Pandemic" (together with AND) in English, Portuguese or Spanish for Science Direct, PUBMED, LILACS and SciELO databases. The ARRIVE checklist was used for methodological evaluation and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software with the Difference Risk (RD) test to evaluate statistical inferences (with subgroups by continent). Cats showed greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 compared to dogs both in a joint analysis of studies (RD = 0.017; 95% CI = 0.008-0.025; p < 0.0001) and in the American subgroup (RD = 0.053; 95% CI = 0.032-0.073; p < 0.0001), unlike the lack of significant difference on the European continent (RD = 0.009; 95% CI = -0.001-0.018; p = 0.066). Therefore, it was observed that cats have a greater interest in health surveillance due to the set of biological and ecological aspects of these animals, but also that there are a set of factors that can influence the spread and possible spillover events of the virus thanks to the anthropozoonotic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Jessé Abrahão Silva
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), University of the State of Pará (UEPA), Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil;
| | - Davi Silva Santana
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Marceli Batista Martins Lima
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Caroliny Soares Silva
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), University of the State of Pará (UEPA), Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil;
| | - Letícia Gomes de Oliveira
- Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (L.G.d.O.); (K.V.B.L.); (L.N.G.C.L.)
| | | | - Rafael dos Santos Dias
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Bruna de Kássia Barbosa Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Amazon (UNAMA), Belém 66120-901, PA, Brazil; (B.d.K.B.P.); (P.A.d.S.N.)
| | - Paula Andresa da Silva Nery
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Amazon (UNAMA), Belém 66120-901, PA, Brazil; (B.d.K.B.P.); (P.A.d.S.N.)
| | - Márcio André Silva Ferreira
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | | | - Andrea Alexandra Narro Ayin
- Faculty of Medicine, Centro Universitário do Estado do Pará (CESUPA), Belém 66613-903, PA, Brazil; (M.A.d.S.S.); (A.A.N.A.)
| | - Ana Cristina Mendes de Oliveira
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
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3
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Thongyuan S, Thanongsaksrikul J, Srimanote P, Phongphaew W, Eiamcharoen P, Thengchaisri N, Bosco-Lauth A, Decaro N, Yodsheewan R. Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Cats during Five Waves of COVID-19 Epidemic in Thailand and Correlation with Human Outbreaks. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:761. [PMID: 38473145 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission was observed, including a veterinarian contracting COVID-19 through close contact with an infected cat, suggesting an atypical zoonotic transmission. This study investigated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats during human outbreaks and elucidated the correlation between cat infections and human epidemics. A total of 1107 cat serum samples were collected and screened for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a modified indirect ELISA human SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection kit. The samples were confirmed using a cPass™ neutralization test. The SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity rate was 22.67% (199/878), mirroring the trend observed in concomitant human case numbers. The waves of the epidemic and the provinces did not significantly impact ELISA-positive cats. Notably, Chon Buri exhibited a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99, p = 0.009) between positive cat sera and reported human case numbers. Additionally, the cPass™ neutralization test revealed a 3.99% (35/878) seropositivity rate. There were significant differences in numbers and proportions of positive cat sera between epidemic waves. In Samut Sakhon, a positive correlation (r = 1, p = 0.042) was noted between the proportion of positive cat sera and human prevalence. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance to comprehend SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in both human and feline populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suporn Thongyuan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumtani 12121, Thailand
| | - Potjanee Srimanote
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumtani 12121, Thailand
| | - Wallaya Phongphaew
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Piyaporn Eiamcharoen
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Naris Thengchaisri
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Angela Bosco-Lauth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3107 W Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Rungrueang Yodsheewan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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Yamayoshi S, Ito M, Iwatsuki-Horimoto K, Yasuhara A, Okuda M, Hamabata T, Murakami J, Duong C, Yamamoto T, Kuroda Y, Maeda K, Kawaoka Y. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats during the early and mid-pandemic periods in Japan. One Health 2023; 17:100588. [PMID: 37359748 PMCID: PMC10279464 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continued to circulate in humans since its emergence in 2019. While infection in humans continues, numerous spillover events to at least 32 animal species, including companion and zoo animals, have been reported. Since dogs and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and have direct contact with their owners and other household members, it is important to know the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats. Here, we established an ELISA to detect serum antibodies against the receptor-binding domain and the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins. Using this ELISA, we assessed seroprevalence in 488 dog serum samples and 355 cat serum samples that were collected during the early pandemic period (between May and June of 2020) and 312 dog serum samples and 251 cat serum samples that were collected during the mid-pandemic period (between October 2021 and January 2022). We found that two dog serum samples (0.41%) collected in 2020, one cat serum sample (0.28%) collected in 2020, and four cat serum samples (1.6%) collected in 2021 were positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. No dog serum samples collected in 2021 were positive for these antibodies. We conclude that the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats in Japan is low, suggesting that these animals are not a major SARS-CoV-2 reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiya Yamayoshi
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Global Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Ito
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Atsuhiro Yasuhara
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moe Okuda
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiki Hamabata
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jurika Murakami
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Calvin Duong
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Yamamoto
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Yudai Kuroda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kawaoka
- Division of Virology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Global Viral Infections, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Japan
- The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center, Japan
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
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5
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Gomez-Romero N, Basurto-Alcantara FJ, Velazquez-Salinas L. Assessing the Potential Role of Cats ( Felis catus) as Generators of Relevant SARS-CoV-2 Lineages during the Pandemic. Pathogens 2023; 12:1361. [PMID: 38003825 PMCID: PMC10675002 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111361] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Several questions regarding the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 remain poorly elucidated. One of these questions is the possible evolutionary impact of SARS-CoV-2 after the infection in domestic animals. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential role of cats as generators of relevant SARS-CoV-2 lineages during the pandemic. A total of 105 full-length genome viral sequences obtained from naturally infected cats during the pandemic were evaluated by distinct evolutionary algorithms. Analyses were enhanced, including a set of highly related SARS-CoV-2 sequences recovered from human populations. Our results showed the apparent high susceptibility of cats to the infection SARS-CoV-2 compared with other animal species. Evolutionary analyses indicated that the phylogenomic characteristics displayed by cat populations were influenced by the dominance of specific SARS-CoV-2 genetic groups affecting human populations. However, disparate dN/dS rates at some genes between populations recovered from cats and humans suggested that infection in these two species may suggest a different evolutionary constraint for SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the branch selection analysis showed evidence of the potential role of natural selection in the emergence of five distinct cat lineages during the pandemic. Although these lineages were apparently irrelevant to public health during the pandemic, our results suggested that additional studies are needed to understand the role of other animal species in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninnet Gomez-Romero
- Comisión México-Estados Unidos para la Prevención de Fiebre Aftosa y Otras Enfermedades Exóticas de los Animales, Carretera Mexico-Toluca Km 15.5 Piso 4 Col. Palo Alto, Cuajimalpa de Morelos, Mexico City 05110, Mexico;
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad No. 3000 Col Copilco Universidad, Mexico City 14510, Mexico;
| | - Francisco Javier Basurto-Alcantara
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad No. 3000 Col Copilco Universidad, Mexico City 14510, Mexico;
| | - Lauro Velazquez-Salinas
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
- National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
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6
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Sánchez-Morales L, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM, Domínguez L, Barroso-Arévalo S. A retrospective study of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in dogs and cats in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1264172. [PMID: 37869682 PMCID: PMC10585060 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1264172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic animals including cats and dogs has been described. However, it is important to carry out passive surveillance of these animals to be aware of any changes in the outcomes of the disease in these species that may occur. In this study, we have performed a retrospective study in which we analyzed sera (n = 1,640) from random animals: dogs (n = 1,381) and cats (n = 259) belonging to both homes (n = 1,533) and animal protection centers (n = 107) in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Neutralizing antibodies were evaluated between November 2021 and May 2022 using a surrogate ELISA kit to determine the seroprevalence. Based on the results obtained, a few animals (both cats and dogs) presented neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (2.3%), all of them from private owners. However, the seroprevalence in cats (4.6%) resulted to be almost twice as much as in dogs (1.9%) which reinforces that cats' susceptibility to the infection seems higher than in the case of dogs, maybe due to the lower ACE2 expression of the dogs in the respiratory tract. These findings also confirm that the probability of infection is considerably higher in domestic animals in close contact with infected owners, compared to animals living in animal shelters whose contact with humans is markedly lower.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José M. Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Barroso-Arévalo
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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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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Cardoso NP, Rivero C, Castillo M, Mansilla FC, Pastorino F, Piccirilli G, Alonso L, Martínez G, Lullo DD, Bentancor LV, Capozzo AV. Serological screening of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals of Buenos Aires suburbs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1161820. [PMID: 37323839 PMCID: PMC10266215 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1161820] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a zoonotic disease caused by the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2. Domestic and wild animals are susceptible to infection and are potential reservoirs for virus variants. To date, there is no information about the exposure of companion animals in Buenos Aires Suburbs, the area with the largest population in Argentina where the highest number of COVID-19 human cases occurred during the first infection wave. Here we developed a multi-species indirect ELISA to measure antibodies reactive to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) from several vertebrates constituting the class Mammalia, making it a valuable tool for field serosurveillance. The ELISA cut-off value was estimated by sera from dogs, cats, cattle, and pigs sampled before 2019 (n = 170), considering a 98% percentile and a grey zone to completely exclude any false positive result. Specificity was confirmed by measuring levels of neutralizing antibodies against canine coronavirus, the avidity of specific antibodies, and their capacity to impede the binding of a recombinant RBD protein to VERO cells in an In-Cell ELISA. Sera from 464 cats and dogs sampled in 2020 and 2021 ("pandemic" samples) were assessed using the RBD-ELISA. Information on COVID-19 disease in the household and the animals' lifestyles was collected. In Buenos Aires Suburbs cats were infected at a higher proportion than dogs, seroprevalence was 7.1 and 1.68%, respectively. Confirmed COVID-19 in the caregivers and outdoor lifestyle were statistically associated with seropositivity in cats. The risk of cats getting infected living indoors in COVID-19-negative households was null. The susceptibility of mammals to SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission between animals themselves and humans, together with the free-roaming lifestyle typical of Buenos Aires suburban companion animals, urge pursuing responsible animal care and avoiding human interaction with animals during the disease course. The multi-species RBD-ELISA we developed can be used as a tool for serosurveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in mammalians (domestic and wild), guiding further targeted virological analyses to encounter susceptible species, interspecies transmission, and potential virus reservoirs in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Patricia Cardoso
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas “IVIT”, CONICET-INTA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Rivero
- Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Productivo y la Innovación, Universidad Nacional de José Clemente Paz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariangeles Castillo
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas “IVIT”, CONICET-INTA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Florencia Pastorino
- Departamento Zoonosis Urbanas, Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guadalupe Piccirilli
- Departamento Zoonosis Urbanas, Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Alonso
- Departamento Zoonosis Urbanas, Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Martínez
- Departamento Zoonosis Urbanas, Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David Di Lullo
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo “IMSaTeD”, CONICET-UNSE, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Leticia Veronica Bentancor
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Productivo y la Innovación, Universidad Nacional de José Clemente Paz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Victoria Capozzo
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas “IVIT”, CONICET-INTA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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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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10
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Dunowska M. Cross-species transmission of coronaviruses with a focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in animals: a review for the veterinary practitioner. N Z Vet J 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36927253 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2191349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIn 2019 a novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged from an unidentified source and spread rapidly among humans worldwide. While many human infections are mild, some result in severe clinical disease that in a small proportion of infected people is fatal. The pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been facilitated by efficient human-to-human transmission of the virus, with no data to indicate that animals contributed to this global health crisis. However, a range of domesticated and wild animals are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection under both experimental and natural conditions. Humans are presumed to be the source of most animal infections thus far, although natural transmission between mink and between free-ranging deer has occurred, and occasional natural transmission between cats cannot be fully excluded. Considering the ongoing circulation of the virus among people, together with its capacity to evolve through mutation and recombination, the risk of the emergence of animal-adapted variants is not negligible. If such variants remain infectious to humans, this could lead to the establishment of an animal reservoir for the virus, which would complicate control efforts. As such, minimising human-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 should be considered as part of infection control efforts. The aim of this review is to summarise what is currently known about the species specificity of animal coronaviruses, with an emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, in the broader context of factors that facilitate cross-species transmission of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dunowska
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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11
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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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12
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Guo R, Wolff C, Prada JM, Mughini-Gras L. When COVID-19 sits on people's laps: A systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in household dogs and cats. One Health 2023; 16:100497. [PMID: 36778083 PMCID: PMC9896854 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, questions were raised about whether SARS-CoV-2 can infect pets and the potential risks posed to and by their human owners. We performed a systematic review of studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in naturally infected household dogs and cats conducted worldwide and published before January 2022. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence, as determined by either molecular or serological methods, and accompanying information, were summarized. Screening studies targeting the general dog or cat populations were differentiated from those targeting households with known COVID-19-positive people. Studies focusing on stray, sheltered or working animals were excluded. In total, 17 studies were included in this review. Fourteen studies investigated cats, 13 investigated dogs, and 10 investigated both. Five studies reported molecular prevalence, 16 reported seroprevalence, and four reported both. All but two studies started and ended in 2020. Studies were conducted in eight European countries (Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Poland), three Asian countries (Iran, Japan, China) and the USA. Both molecular and serological prevalence in the general pet population were usually below 5%, but exceeded 10% when COVID-19 positive people were known to be present in the household. A meta-analysis provided pooled seroprevalence estimates in the general pet population: 2.75% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.56-4.79%) and 0.82% (95% CI: 0.26-2.54%) for cats and dogs, respectively. This review highlighted the need for a better understanding of the possible epizootic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the need for global standards for SARS-CoV-2 detection in pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoshui Guo
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands,Corresponding author at: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721MA Bilthoven, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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13
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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:vetsci10010042. [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] [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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14
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Kleinerman G, Gross S, Topol S, Ariel E, Volokh G, Melloul S, Mergy SE, Malamud Y, Gilboa S, Gal Y, Weiss L, Richt JA, Decaro N, Eskandar S, Arieli Y, Gingis E, Sachter Y, Chaim L. Low serological rate of SARS-CoV-2 in cats from military bases in Israel. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 90-91:101905. [PMID: 36356507 PMCID: PMC9632235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Domestic cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can transmit the virus to other felines. A high number of COVID-19 human cases within the military personnel and a high density of stray cats living close to soldiers raised the need to perform active animal surveillance. We validated a novel quantitative serological microarray for use in cats, that enables simultaneous detection of IgG and IgM responses; in addition, molecular genetic SARS-CoV-2 detection was performed. Three out of 131 cats analyzed, showed IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 RBD and S2P (2.3 %). None of cats were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR. SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in soldiers ranged from 4.7 % to 16 % (average rate=8.9 %). Further investigations on a larger cohort are necessary, in the light of the emerging new viral variants in other animal species and in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kleinerman
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel.
| | - Saar Gross
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Shira Topol
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Ella Ariel
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Gerry Volokh
- Emek HaMaayanot Regional Veterinary Service, Emek Beit She'an 11710, Israel
| | - Sivan Melloul
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Shani Etty Mergy
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Yaakov Malamud
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Sagi Gilboa
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Yoav Gal
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nucleal Defense Diviosion, Israeli Ministry of Defense, HaKiria, Tel Aviv 61909, Israel
| | - Libby Weiss
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nucleal Defense Diviosion, Israeli Ministry of Defense, HaKiria, Tel Aviv 61909, Israel
| | - Juergen A Richt
- Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of VeterinaryMedicine, University of Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Shadi Eskandar
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Yarden Arieli
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Efrat Gingis
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Yacov Sachter
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
| | - Lavie Chaim
- Preventive medicine branch, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel Hashomer Camp, 5510802, Qriat Ono, Israel
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15
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Giner J, González A, Tobajas AP, Pérez MD, Lira-Navarrete E, González-Ramírez AM, Macías-León J, Verde M, Yzuel A, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Arias M, Santiago L, Aguiló-Gisbert J, Ruíz H, Lacasta D, Marteles D, Fernández A. A cross-sectional serosurvey of SARS-CoV-2 and co-infections in stray cats from the second wave to the sixth wave of COVID-19 outbreaks in Spain. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:615-629. [PMID: 36229725 PMCID: PMC9560875 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10016-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in humans. Among domestic animals, cats are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than dogs. The detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in seemingly healthy cats and/or infected cats which are in close contact with infected humans has been described. The presence of animals that tested positive by serology or molecular techniques could represent a potential transmission pathway of SARS-CoV-2 that can spill over into urban wildlife. This study analyses the seroprevalence variation of SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats from different waves of outbreaks in a geographical area where previous seroepidemiological information of SARS-CoV-2 was available and investigate if SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were exposed to other co-infections causing an immunosuppressive status and/or a chronic disease that could lead to a SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. For this purpose, a total of 254 stray cats from Zaragoza (Spain) were included. This analysis was carried out by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the receptor binding domain of Spike antigen and confirmed by serum virus neutralization assay. The presence of co-infections including Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, was evaluated using different serological methods. A seropositivity of 1.57% was observed for SARS-CoV-2 including the presence of neutralizing antibodies in three cats. None of the seropositive to SARS-CoV-2 cats were positive to feline coronavirus, however, four SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were also seropositive to other pathogens such as L. infantum, D. immitis and FIV (n = 1), L. infantum and D. immitis (n = 1) and L. infantum alone (n = 1).Considering other pathogens, a seroprevalence of 16.54% was detected for L. infantum, 30.31% for D. immitis, 13.78%, for T. gondii, 83.86% for feline calicivirus, 42.52% for feline herpesvirus type 1, 3.15% for FeLV and 7.87% for FIV. Our findings suggest that the epidemiological role of stray cats in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is scarce, and there is no increase in seropositivity during the different waves of COVID-19 outbreaks in this group of animals. Further epidemiological surveillances are necessary to determine the risk that other animals might possess even though stray cats do not seem to play a role in transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Mariví Martínez
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana González
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Erandi Lira-Navarrete
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Manuel González-Ramírez
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Macías-León
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), Zaragoza, Spain.,Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzada (LMA), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain.,, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maykel Arias
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Aguiló-Gisbert
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación, Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, Valencia, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
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16
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High Seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 among Dogs and Cats, Poland, 2021/2022. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162016. [PMID: 36009608 PMCID: PMC9404425 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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17
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Doliff R, Martens P. Cats and SARS-CoV-2: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1413. [PMID: 35681877 PMCID: PMC9179433 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, various animal species were found to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The close contact that exists between humans and cats warrants special attention to the role of this species. Therefore, a scoping review was performed to obtain a comprehensive overview of the existing literature, and to map key concepts, types of research, and possible gaps in the research. A systematic search of the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus and the preprint servers medRxiv and bioRxiv was performed. After a two-step screening process, 27 peer-reviewed articles, 8 scientific communication items, and 2 unpublished pre-prints were included. The main themes discussed were susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, induced immunity, prevalence of infection, manifestation of infection, interspecies transmission between humans and cats, and lastly, intraspecies transmission between cats. The main gaps in the research identified were a lack of large-scale studies, underrepresentation of stray, feral, and shelter cat populations, lack of investigation into cat-to-cat transmissions under non-experimental conditions, and the relation of cats to other animal species regarding SARS-CoV-2. Overall, cats seemingly play a limited role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. While cats are susceptible to the virus and reverse zoonotic transmission from humans to cats happens regularly, there is currently no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation among cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pim Martens
- University College Venlo, Maastricht University, Nassaustraat 36, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands;
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18
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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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19
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de Oliveira-Filho EF, de Carvalho OV, Carneiro IO, Fernandes FD, Vaz SN, Pedroso C, Gonzalez-Auza L, Urbieta VC, Kühne A, Mayoral R, Jo WK, Moreira-Soto A, Reusken CBEM, Drosten C, Brites C, Osterrieder K, Netto EM, Ristow LE, Maia RDC, Vogel FSF, de Almeida NR, Franke CR, Drexler JF. Frequent Infection of Cats With SARS-CoV-2 Irrespective of Pre-Existing Enzootic Coronavirus Immunity, Brazil 2020. Front Immunol 2022; 13:857322. [PMID: 35450070 PMCID: PMC9016337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.857322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnivores such as cats and minks are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Brazil is a global COVID-19 hot spot and several cases of human-to-cat transmission have been documented. We investigated the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by testing 547 domestic cats sampled between July-November 2020 from seven states in southern, southeastern, and northeastern Brazil. Moreover, we investigated whether immune responses elicited by enzootic coronaviruses affect SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats. We found infection with significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers against the Gamma variant of concern, endemic in Brazil during 2020, than against an early SARS-CoV-2 B.1 isolate (p<0.0001), validating the use of Gamma for further testing. The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Brazilian cats during late 2020 validated by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) was 7.3% (95% CI, 5.3-9.8). There was no significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in cats between Brazilian states, suggesting homogeneous infection levels ranging from 4.6% (95% CI, 2.2-8.4) to 11.4% (95% CI, 6.7-17.4; p=0.4438). Seroprevalence of the prototypic cat coronavirus Feline coronavirus (FCoV) in a PRNT90 was high at 33.3% (95% CI, 24.9-42.5) and seroprevalence of Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) was low at 1.7% (95% CI, 0.2-5.9) in a PRNT90. Neutralizing antibody titers were significantly lower for FCoV than for SARS-CoV-2 (p=0.0001), consistent with relatively more recent infection of cats with SARS-CoV-2. Neither the magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers (p=0.6390), nor SARS-CoV-2 infection status were affected by FCoV serostatus (p=0.8863). Our data suggest that pre-existing immunity against enzootic coronaviruses neither prevents, nor enhances SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats. High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence already during the first year of the pandemic substantiates frequent infection of domestic cats and raises concerns on potential SARS-CoV-2 mutations escaping human immunity upon spillback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmilson F de Oliveira-Filho
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ianei O Carneiro
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Sara Nunes Vaz
- Disease Research Laboratory, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Célia Pedroso
- Disease Research Laboratory, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Lilian Gonzalez-Auza
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Carvalho Urbieta
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arne Kühne
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rafaela Mayoral
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Wendy K Jo
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrés Moreira-Soto
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chantal B E M Reusken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos Brites
- Disease Research Laboratory, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Martins Netto
- Disease Research Laboratory, University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Rita de Cassia Maia
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Nadia Rossi de Almeida
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Franke
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Adler JM, Weber C, Wernike K, Michelitsch A, Friedrich K, Trimpert J, Beer M, Kohn B, Osterrieder K, Müller E. Prevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies in cats in Germany and other European countries in the early phase of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:439-450. [PMID: 35238485 PMCID: PMC9115359 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
During the first months of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), cases of human‐to‐cat transmission were reported. Seroconversion was shown in cats infected under experimental and natural conditions. This large‐scale survey of 1,005 serum samples was conducted to investigate anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody prevalence in domestic cats during the first 7 months of the pandemic in Germany and other European countries. In addition, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of two multispecies SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results were confirmed by using an indirect immunofluorescence test (iIFT) and a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Sera that were highly positive for feline coronavirus (FCoV) antibodies (n = 103) were included to correct for cross‐reactivity of the tests used. Our results showed an overall SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositivity of 1.9% (n = 19) in a receptor‐binding domain (RBD)‐based ELISA, additional 0.8% (n = 8) were giving inconclusive results. In contrast, a nucleocapsid‐based ELISA revealed 0.5% (n = 5) positive and 0.2% (n = 2) inconclusive results. While the iIFT and sVNT confirmed 100% of positive and 50%–57.1% of the doubtful results as determined in the RBD ELISA, the nucleocapsid‐based assay showed a high discrepancy and only one of the five positive results could be confirmed. The results indicate significant deficits of the nucleocapsid‐based ELISA with respect to sensitivity and specificity. Due to a significantly higher rate (5.8%) of positive results in the group of highly FCoV antibody‐positive samples, cross‐reactivity of the FCoV‐ELISA with SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies cannot be excluded. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of direct contact of domestic cats (n = 23) to SARS‐CoV‐2 positive owners. Considering one inconclusive result, which got confirmed by iIFT, this exposure did not lead to a significantly higher prevalence (4.4%; p = .358) among tested subjects. Overall, we conclude that cats are a negligible entity with respect to virus transmission in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Maria Adler
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Laboklin GmbH & Co.KG, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | | | - Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anna Michelitsch
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Jakob Trimpert
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Klinik für kleine Haustiere, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Osterrieder
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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21
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The SARS-CoV-2 Reproduction Number R 0 in Cats. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122480. [PMID: 34960749 PMCID: PMC8704225 DOI: 10.3390/v13122480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and given that they are in close contact with people, assessing the potential risk cats represent for the transmission and maintenance of SARS-CoV-2 is important. Assessing this risk implies quantifying transmission from humans-to-cats, from cats-to-cats and from cats-to-humans. Here we quantified the risk of cat-to-cat transmission by reviewing published literature describing transmission either experimentally or under natural conditions in infected households. Data from these studies were collated to quantify the SARS-CoV-2 reproduction number R0 among cats. The estimated R0 was significantly higher than one, hence cats could play a role in the transmission and maintenance of SARS-CoV-2. Questions that remain to be addressed are the risk of transmission from humans-to-cats and cats-to-humans. Further data on household transmission and data on virus levels in both the environment around infected cats and their exhaled air could be a step towards assessing these risks.
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22
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Teixeira AIP. SARS-CoV-2 in animals: what about the cat? Vet Q 2021; 41:226-227. [PMID: 34280074 PMCID: PMC8344248 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2021.1958393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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23
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Meekins DA, Gaudreault NN, Richt JA. Natural and Experimental SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Domestic and Wild Animals. Viruses 2021; 13:1993. [PMID: 34696423 PMCID: PMC8540328 DOI: 10.3390/v13101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to spread with devastating effects on global health and socioeconomics. The susceptibility of domestic and wild animal species to infection is a critical facet of SARS-CoV-2 ecology, since reverse zoonotic spillover events resulting in SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in animal populations could result in the establishment of new virus reservoirs. Adaptive mutations in the virus to new animal species could also complicate ongoing mitigation strategies to combat SARS-CoV-2. In addition, animal species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection are essential as standardized preclinical models for the development and efficacy testing of vaccines and therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the current findings regarding the susceptibility of different domestic and wild animal species to experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection and provide detailed descriptions of the clinical disease and transmissibility in these animals. In addition, we outline the documented natural infections in animals that have occurred at the human-animal interface. A comprehensive understanding of animal susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to inform public health, veterinary, and agricultural systems, and to guide environmental policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Meekins
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
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24
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Flegr J. Toxoplasmosis is a risk factor for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of COVID-19 in the Czech and Slovak population: a preregistered exploratory internet cross-sectional study. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:508. [PMID: 34583758 PMCID: PMC8477627 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Latent toxoplasmosis, i.e. a lifelong infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, affects about a third of the human population worldwide. In the past 10 years, numerous studies have shown that infected individuals have a significantly higher incidence of mental and physical health problems and are more prone to exhibiting the adverse effects of various diseases. Methods A cross-sectional internet study was performed on a population of 4499 (786 Toxoplasma-infected) participants and looked for factors which positively or negatively affect the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and likelihood of a severe course of COVID-19. Results Logistic regression and partial Kendall correlation controlling for sex, age, and size of the place of residence showed that latent toxoplasmosis had the strongest effect on the risk of infection (OR = 1.50) before sport (OR = 1.30) and borreliosis (1.27). It also had the strongest effect on the risk of severe course of infection (Tau = 0.146), before autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, male sex, keeping a cat, being overweight, borreliosis, higher age, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Toxoplasmosis augmented the adverse effects of other risk factors but was not the proximal cause of the effect of cat-keeping on higher likelihood of COVID infection and higher severity of the course of infection because the effect of cat-keeping was also observed (and in particular) in a subset of Toxoplasma-infected respondents (Tau = 0.153). Effects of keeping a cat were detected only in respondents from multi-member families, suggesting that a cat could be a vector for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within a family. Conclusions Toxoplasmosis is currently not considered a risk factor for COVID-19, and Toxoplasma-infected individuals are neither informed about their higher risk nor prioritised in vaccination programs. Because toxoplasmosis affects a large segment of the human population, its impact on COVID-19-associated effects on public health could be considerable. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Biology, Division of Biology, Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 2, 128 00, Czech Republic. .,National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic.
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25
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Report of One-Year Prospective Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Dogs and Cats in France with Various Exposure Risks: Confirmation of a Low Prevalence of Shedding, Detection and Complete Sequencing of an Alpha Variant in a Cat. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091759. [PMID: 34578341 PMCID: PMC8473452 DOI: 10.3390/v13091759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the probable zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, only limited research efforts have been made to understand the role of companion animals in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology. According to recent serological prevalence studies, human-to-companion animal transmission is quite frequent, which led us to consider that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from animal to human, albeit negligible in the present context, may have been underestimated. In this study, we provide the results of a prospective survey that was conducted to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 isolation rate by qRT-PCR in dogs and cats with different exposure risks and clinical statuses. From April 2020 to April 2021, we analyzed 367 samples and investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using qRT-PCR. Only four animals tested positive, all of them being cats. Three cats were asymptomatic and one presented a coryza-like syndrome. We describe in detail the infection in two cats and the associated clinical characteristics. Importantly, we obtained SARS-CoV-2 genomes from one infected animal and characterized them as Alpha variants. This represents the first identification of the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant in an infected animal in France.
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26
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Smith SL, Anderson ER, Cansado-Utrilla C, Prince T, Farrell S, Brant B, Smyth S, Noble PJM, Pinchbeck GL, Marshall N, Roberts L, Hughes GL, Radford AD, Patterson EI. SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in dogs and cats in the United Kingdom. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:100011. [PMID: 34377997 PMCID: PMC8340563 DOI: 10.1016/j.crviro.2021.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Companion animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and sporadic cases of pet infections have occurred in the United Kingdom. Here we present the first large-scale serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in dogs and cats in the UK. Results are reported for 688 sera (454 canine, 234 feline) collected by a large veterinary diagnostic laboratory for routine haematology during three time periods; pre-COVID-19 (January 2020), during the first wave of UK human infections (April–May 2020) and during the second wave of UK human infections (September 2020–February 2021). Both pre-COVID-19 sera and those from the first wave tested negative. However, in sera collected during the second wave, 1.4% (n = 4) of dogs and 2.2% (n = 2) of cats tested positive for neutralising antibodies. The low numbers of animals testing positive suggests pet animals are unlikely to be a major reservoir for human infection in the UK. However, continued surveillance of in-contact susceptible animals should be performed as part of ongoing population health surveillance initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley L Smith
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Enyia R Anderson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Cintia Cansado-Utrilla
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Tessa Prince
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Sean Farrell
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Bethaney Brant
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Steven Smyth
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Peter-John M Noble
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Gina L Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Nikki Marshall
- Idexx Laboratories Ltd, Grange House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, LS22 7DN, UK
| | - Larry Roberts
- Idexx Laboratories Ltd, Grange House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, LS22 7DN, UK
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Alan D Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Edward I Patterson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
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27
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Smith SL, Anderson ER, Cansado-Utrilla C, Prince T, Farrell S, Brant B, Smyth S, Noble PJM, Pinchbeck GL, Marshall N, Roberts L, Hughes GL, Radford AD, Patterson EI. SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in Dogs and Cats in the United Kingdom. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34189526 PMCID: PMC8240679 DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.23.449594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Companion animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and sporadic cases of pet infections have occurred in the United Kingdom. Here we present the first large-scale serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in dogs and cats in the UK. Results are reported for 688 sera (454 canine, 234 feline) collected by a large veterinary diagnostic laboratory for routine haematology during three time periods; pre-COVID-19 (January 2020), during the first wave of UK human infections (April-May 2020) and during the second wave of UK human infections (September 2020-February 2021). Both pre-COVID-19 sera and those from the first wave tested negative. However, in sera collected during the second wave, 1.4% (n=4) of dogs and 2.2% (n=2) cats tested positive for neutralising antibodies. The low numbers of animals testing positive suggests pet animals are unlikely to be a major reservoir for human infection in the UK. However, continued surveillance of in-contact susceptible animals should be performed as part of ongoing population health surveillance initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley L Smith
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Enyia R Anderson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Cintia Cansado-Utrilla
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Tessa Prince
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Sean Farrell
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Bethaney Brant
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Stephen Smyth
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Peter-John M Noble
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Gina L Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Nikki Marshall
- Idexx Laboratories Ltd, Grange House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby LS22 7DN
| | - Larry Roberts
- Idexx Laboratories Ltd, Grange House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby LS22 7DN
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Alan D Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Edward I Patterson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.,Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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