SARS-CoV-2 natural infection in animals: a systematic review of studies and case reports and series

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic is essentially a zoonotic disease. In this context, early in 2020, transmission from humans to certain animals began reporting; the number of studies has grown since. To estimate the pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection in animals and to determine differences in prevalence between countries, years, animal types and diagnostic methods (RT-PCR or serological tests). A systematic literature review with meta-analysis using eight databases. Observational studies were included but analyzed separately. We performed a random-effects model meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for prevalence studies and case series. After the screening, 65 reports were selected for full-text assessment and included for qualitative and quantitative analyses. A total of 24 reports assessed SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR, combining a total of 321,785 animals, yielding a pooled prevalence of 12.3% (95% CI 11.6%–13.0%). Also, a total of 17 studies additionally assessed serological response against SARS-CoV-2, including nine by ELISA, four by PRTN, one by MIA, one by immunochromatography (rest, two studies, the method was not specified), combining a total of 5319 animals, yielding a pooled prevalence of 29.4% (95% CI 22.9%–35.9%). A considerable proportion of animals resulted infected by SARS-CoV-2, ranking minks among the highest value, followed by dogs and cats. Further studies in other animals are required to define the extent and importance of natural infection due to SARS-CoV-2. These findings have multiple implications for public human and animal health. One Health approach in this context is critical for prevention and control.

Myocardial Injury Complicated by Systolic Dysfunction in a COVID-19-Positive Dog

“…Since its emergence in December 2019 in Wuhan (China), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has spread worldwide in a short span of time [ 1 ]. Although such zoonotic disease has probably disseminated mainly by human-to-human transmission, the existence of hundreds of millions of companion animals living closely with humans raises the question of their potential role in the outbreak [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Accordingly, several studies have been recently performed in dogs and cats in many countries [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], demonstrating their susceptibility to this infection.…”

“…Although such zoonotic disease has probably disseminated mainly by human-to-human transmission, the existence of hundreds of millions of companion animals living closely with humans raises the question of their potential role in the outbreak [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Accordingly, several studies have been recently performed in dogs and cats in many countries [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], demonstrating their susceptibility to this infection. However, it is important to acknowledge that the majority of these studies are serological and/or molecular surveys primarily aimed at evaluating the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among domestic animals, not the related clinical compromise [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

SARS-CoV-2 wildlife surveillance in Ontario and Québec, Canada

“…However, humans are not the only species susceptible to infection. Over the course of the current pandemic, a range of domestic and wild animal species have been reported to either be naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2 or susceptible to the virus in experimental infections (1,2,3). Others have been identified as potential hosts based on sequence analysis of the host cell receptor of SARS-CoV-2, angiotensin 1 converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and predicted binding affinity (4,5).…”

The threat of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants in animals

“…In addition, several cases of felines, canines, zoo animals, minks and ferrets have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, mainly due to close contact with infected humans (Bonilla-Aldana et al. 2021 ).…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has not been over yet, and then, vaccination in humans and animals should be increased, as these are also susceptible in a considerable proportion (Bonilla-Aldana et al. 2021 ).…”