First description of a multisystemic and lethal SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern P.1 (Gamma) infection in a FeLV-positive cat

Abstract

Background Phylogenetic studies indicate bats as original hosts of SARS-CoV-2. However, it remains unclear whether other animals, including pets, are crucial in the spread and maintenance of COVID-19 worldwide. Methods In this study, we analyzed the first fatal case of a SARS-CoV-2 and FeLV co-infection in an eight-year-old male cat. We carried out a clinical evaluation and several laboratory analyses. Results As main results, we observed an animal presenting severe acute respiratory syndrome and lesions in several organs, which led to the animal’s death. RT-qPCR analysis showed a SARS-CoV-2 as the causative agent. The virus was detected in several organs, indicating a multisystemic infection. The virus was found in a high load in the trachea, suggesting that the animal may have contribute to the transmission of the virus. The whole-genome sequencing revealed an infection by SARS-CoV-2 Gamma VOC (P.1), and any mutations indicating host adaptation were observed. Conclusion Our data show that FeLV-positive cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and raise questions about the potential of immunocompromised FeLV-positive cats to act as a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 new variants.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Client-Owned Cats from Portugal

“…Alpha variant was isolated from cats with clinical conditions of varying severity, from asymptomatic [ 62 ], mild disease, characterized by sneezing [ 63 ], to severe conditions characterized by dyspnea and fever [ 64 ] or acute myocarditis [ 65 ]. The SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant was identified as a cause of death of a FeLV-positive cat presenting severe acute respiratory syndrome and lesions in several organs [ 66 ]. The Delta variant was isolated from three cats from Harbin [ 67 ] and from a cat with history of anorexia, lethargy, soft stools, and vomiting [ 68 ].…”

SARS-CoV-2 Transmission from Human to Pet and Suspected Transmission from Pet to Human, Thailand

“…Interestingly, we found genetic disparity between two samples collected at different time points from cat BKK100 that had experienced chronic FeLV infection and suffered from kidney disease, suggesting the within-host evolution of SARS-CoV-2, which has been frequently observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection of immunocompromised patients ( 41 – 43 ). Thus, intrahost mutation of SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised cats is possible, as indicated by a previously reported observation of a SARS-CoV-2-infected immunocompromised cat ( 44 ). Furthermore, the rapid adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 variants to nonhuman mammalian hosts after initial infection with the original virus was reported ( 45 ), highlighting the potential of reinfection of humans with new variants arising in such animals that have close contact with humans.…”

Two Multiplex PCR Methods for Detecting Several Pathogens Associated with Feline Respiratory and Intestinal Tracts

“…If a cat is not treated in time, secondary infection can occur. A recent study showed that immunocompromised FeLV-positive cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 31 ]. At the current time of the coronavirus pandemic, it is possible that FeLV-positive cats act as a reservoir for new SARS-CoV-2 variants.…”