SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats in a highly infected area of Brazil during the pandemic

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 was a worldwide threat during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state of Mato Grosso had the second highest mortality rate in Brazil, with 427. 4 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. However, no large-scale study among dogs and cats in such highly infected areas of Brazil has so far been conducted. Accordingly, the present study reports on a serosurvey among dogs and cats in Cuiabá, capital of Mato Grosso from November 2020 to July 2021, where the human mortality rate was 605/100,000 at that time. Overall, 33/762 dogs (4.3%) and 4/182 cats (2.2%) were found to be seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 through ELISA, and 3/762 dogs (0.4%) and 3/182 cats (1.6%) were seropositive through the serum neutralization test. Cats presented higher seroprevalence with higher titers of neutralizing antibodies. Although N-protein based ELISA may be a good screening test, cross-reactivity with other canine coronaviruses may impair its diagnostic use among dogs.

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

“…Compared to dogs, cats have demonstrated a greater seroprevalence and higher titers of neutralizing antibodies, suggesting a stronger immunological response [ 55 ]. Dogs, on the other hand, had a milder course of infection than cats because they showed differences in the results of the ELISA and serum neutralization test, which may have been caused by cross-reactions with other animal coronaviruses [ 56 ]. Research has indicated that cats are capable of shedding infectious viruses and directly infecting naïve cats, while experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection did not cause clinical illness in dogs [ 57 ].…”

Preliminary Study on the Efficacy of a Recombinant, Subunit SARS-CoV-2 Animal Vaccine against Virulent SARS-CoV-2 Challenge in Cats

“…Domestic and large cats are highly susceptible species to SARS-CoV-2 infection as demonstrated by natural infections reported worldwide [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. There are multiple reports on the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among domestic cats and cases of virus transmission from infected owners to their pet felines [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Recently, researchers in Thailand reported the first documented case of SARS-CoV-2 spillover from cats to humans [ 26 ].…”

“…Several reports describe the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among large cats kept in zoos around the world. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in lions at the Barcelona zoo [ 22 , 27 ], in lions and tigers at the Bronx zoo in New York [ 28 ], snow leopards at a zoo in Kentucky [ 29 ], and pumas and lions at a zoo in South Africa [ 30 ]. A case of lion-to-human transmission was recently reported in a zoo while an infected lion was undergoing treatment [ 31 ].…”

Editorial: High-impact respiratory RNA virus diseases

“…Its genome can undergo mutations, leading to the emergence of different variants that may impact transmissibility, virulence, and vaccine efficacy ( 52 – 54 ). Continuous monitoring of viral genomic sequences helps researchers understand the evolution and spread of the virus ( 18 , 23 , 55 ) ( Padilla-Blanco et al ). Diagnosing in animals is crucial for understanding its impact on animal health and welfare, studying transmission dynamics, adopting a One Health approach that considers human, animal, and environmental health, and enhancing public health and epidemiological surveillance ( 56 ).…”

“…Animals can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 through zoonotic transmission, and studying such cases provides valuable data for tracking the virus's spread and assessing its potential impact on human populations. Collaborative efforts between human health professionals and veterinary experts are essential for comprehensive disease surveillance, prevention, and control ( 18 , 57 ).…”