SARS-CoV-2 infection of companion animals in Egypt and its risk of spillover.
Vet Med Sci
; 9(1): 13-24, 2023 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36516308
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Reverse zoonoses occur because of interactions between humans and animals. Homology of ACE-2 cell receptors in different hosts and high mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 enhance viral transmission among species.OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to investigate spillover of SARS-CoV-2 between humans and companion animals.METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was constructed using nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs, serum and blood samples collected from 66 companion animals (33 cats and 33 dogs) that were in contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive owners from December 2020 to March 2021. Swabs were screened by rRT-PCR and some positive cases were confirmed by partial spike gene sequencing. Clinical pathology and pathological studies were also performed.RESULTS:
Our findings revealed that 30% of cats (10/33) and 24% of dogs (8/33) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. While 33% of these animals were asymptomatic (6/18), 28% showed mild respiratory signs (5/18) and 39% displayed severe respiratory signs (7/18) including 4 dead cats 40% (4/10). Partial spike gene sequencing of 6 positive samples collected in December 2020 were identical to SARS-CoV-2 that was detected in humans in Egypt in that time frame. Clinical pathology findings revealed thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia, as well as elevated levels of D-dimer, LDH, CRP, and ferritin. Post-mortem and histopathological examinations illustrated multisystemic effects.CONCLUSIONS:
There is a potential occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 spillover between humans and pet animals. IMPACTS The present study highlighted the potential occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 spillover between humans and their companion animals. Biosecurity measures should be applied to decrease spread of SARS-CoV-2 among humans and pet animals.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Doenças do Cão
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Vet Med Sci
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Egito