Human animal interface of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmission: a critical appraisal of scientific evidence

Abstract

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to infect both humans and animals. However, the evidence of intertransmission of coronavirus between humans and companion animals is still a debatable issue. There is substantial evidence that the virus outbreak is fueled by zoonotic transmission because this new virus belongs to the same family of viruses as SARS-CoV associated with civet cats, and MERS-CoV associated with dromedary camels. While the whole world is investigating the possibility about the transmission of this virus, the transmission among humans is established, but the interface between humans and animals is not much evident. Not only are the lives of human beings at risk, but there is an equal potential threat to the animal world. With multiple reports claiming about much possibility of transmission of COVID-19 from humans to animals, there has been a significant increase in the number of pets being abandoned by their owners. Additionally, the risk of reverse transmission of COVID-19 virus from companion pets like cats and dogs at home is yet another area of concern. The present article highlights different evidence of human-animal interface and necessitates the precautionary measures required to combat with the consequences of this interface. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have suggested various ways to promote awareness and corroborate practices for helping people as well as animals to stay secure and healthy.

Modes of Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Factors Influencing on the Airborne Transmission: A Review

“…Usual human coronaviruses, containing alpha and beta coronaviruses, commonly create mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) similar to the common cold [ 47 , 52 , 53 ]. Meanwhile, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes severe respiratory illness (lungs and upper respiratory tract) and even death in some patients ( Figure 2 ) [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 20 , 27 , 47 , 54 ]. It should be noted that SARS-CoV-2 belongs to beta-CoVs, and its size is between 60 and 140 nm [ 55 ] and approximately 120 nm in diameter [ 56 ].…”

“…Moreover, respiratory transmission of the novel coronavirus by airborne mechanisms from aerosols and droplets gained consideration [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. SARS-CoV-2 can be spread via near contact with an infected person coughing or sneezing and emitting small droplets [ 21 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Transmission via droplets occurs when a SARS-CoV-2 carrier talking, coughing, and sneezing emits droplets with the virus that can expose other people’s nose, mouth, and eyes causing infection [ 24 ].…”

Molecular docking and simulation investigation: effect of beta-sesquiphellandrene with ionic integration on SARS-CoV2 and SFTS viruses

“…Wild animal's category includes intermediate hosts like pangolins, turtles, snakes, and ferrets [14,15]. Earlier domestic animals like poultry, dogs, and cats were thought to be underlined as intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV2 transmission, but later developments suggested that the fast antibody synthesis against SARS-CoV2 in these organisms makes them immunized from harmful consequences [14,16]. SFTS is a novel phlebovirus of family Bunyaviridae, which is transmitted from ticks and causes severe fever with thrombocytopenia.…”

SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility of cell lines and substrates commonly used in diagnosis and isolation of influenza and other viruses

“…SARS-CoV-2 uses human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) as the host cell receptor (18). Multiple species including humans, monkeys, cats, minks, ferrets, hamsters, and dogs have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 in experimental and/or natural settings (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). To further investigate the mechanism of susceptibility or resistance and gain insight into SARS-CoV-2 species specificity, we analyzed the ACE2 expression levels in various cell lines.…”