Whole-Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Reveals Simultaneous Circulation of Three Variants and a Putative Recombination (20B/20H) in Pets, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Lenguiya, Léadisaelle Hosanna; Fritz, Matthieu; Fonclare, Daphné de Riols de; Corbet, Sandrine; Becquart, Pierre; Mbou, Christophe; Nguie, Ruben Junias; Mouellet, Wivine Salva; Demboux, Jordy Exaucé Lyelet; N’kaya, Tobi; Mayengue, Pembé Issamou; Koukouikila-Koussounda, Félix; Gouilh, Meriadeg Ar; Leroy, Eric M.; Fabien, NIAMA Roch

doi:10.3390/v15040933

Viruses

2023

DOI: 10.3390/v15040933

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Whole-Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Reveals Simultaneous Circulation of Three Variants and a Putative Recombination (20B/20H) in Pets, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Léadisaelle Hosanna Lenguiya

Matthieu Fritz

Daphné de Riols de Fonclare

et al.

Abstract: Following the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, cases of pets infected with variants circulating among humans were reported. In order to evaluate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation among pets in the Republic of the Congo, we conducted a ten-month study of dogs and cats living in COVID-19-positive households in Brazzaville and neighboring localities. Real-time PCR and the Luminex platform were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 RBD and S proteins, respectively. Our results show for the firs… Show more

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2024

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An overview of SARS‐CoV2 natural infections in companion animals: A systematic review of the current evidence

Heydarifard,

Chegeni,

Heydarifard

et al. 2024

Reviews in Medical Virology

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This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in companion animals. The findings show that these infections are relatively rare. Among the examined dogs, only 1.32% tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2, while for cats, the rate was 1.55%. Infections in rabbits and ferrets were even less common, at less than 1%. These results support previous research indicating the infrequency of natural infections in companion animals. The review also includes updated studies that involved various pets, such as cats, dogs, ferrets, and rabbits. The majority of the studies analyzed were primarily concerned with screening pets that visited veterinary clinics, regardless of whether they showed any specific signs of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Only a limited number of studies investigated infections in animals suspected of being in contact with owners or other animals that had COVID‐19 or were exhibiting symptoms. The most common variant identified among the SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in the reviewed studies was B.1.1.7 (alpha), followed by B.1.617.2 (delta), B.1.526 (Iota), and others. The emergence of these variants raises concerns about their potential for increased transmissibility and virulence, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in both humans and animals. Furthermore, most of the reviewed studies indicated that infected pets either showed no symptoms or experienced mild symptoms. This aligns with previous reports suggesting that animals infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 generally have less severe illness compared to humans. However, it is essential to recognize the possibility of severe illness or death in animals, particularly those with underlying health conditions. Continuous surveillance of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in companion animals is crucial for better understanding the virus's epidemiology in animals and developing effective strategies to protect both animal and human health.

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An overview of SARS‐CoV2 natural infections in companion animals: A systematic review of the current evidence

Heydarifard,

Chegeni,

Heydarifard

et al. 2024

Reviews in Medical Virology

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High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in cats recently exposed to human cases

Daigle,

Khalid,

Gagnon

et al. 2024

BMC Vet Res

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Background The primary objective of this cross-sectional study, conducted in Québec and Bristish Columbia (Canada) between February 2021 and January 2022, was to measure the prevalence of viral RNA in oronasal and rectal swabs and serum antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) amongst cats living in households with at least one confirmed human case. Secondary objectives included a description of potential risk factors for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and an estimation of the association between the presence of viral RNA in swabs as well as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and clinical signs. Oronasal and rectal swabs and sera were collected from 55 cats from 40 households at most 15 days after a human case confirmation, and at up to two follow-up visits. A RT-qPCR assay and an ELISA were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in swabs and serum SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, respectively. Prevalence and 95% Bayesian credibility intervals (BCI) were calculated, and associations were evaluated using prevalence ratio and 95% BCI obtained from Bayesian mixed log-binomial models. Results Nine (0.16; 95% BCI = 0.08–0.28) and 38 (0.69; 95% BCI = 0.56–0.80) cats had at least one positive RT-qPCR and at least one positive serological test result, respectively. No risk factor was associated with the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies. The prevalence of clinical signs suggestive of COVID-19 in cats, mainly sneezing, was 2.12 (95% BCI = 1.03–3.98) times higher amongst cats with detectable viral RNA compared to those without. Conclusions We showed that cats develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 when exposed to recent human cases, but detection of viral RNA on swabs is rare, even when sampling occurs soon after confirmation of a human case. Moreover, cats with detectable levels of virus showed clinical signs more often than cats without signs, which can be useful for the management of such cases.

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Whole-Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Reveals Simultaneous Circulation of Three Variants and a Putative Recombination (20B/20H) in Pets, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Cited by 2 publications

References 38 publications

An overview of SARS‐CoV2 natural infections in companion animals: A systematic review of the current evidence

An overview of SARS‐CoV2 natural infections in companion animals: A systematic review of the current evidence

High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in cats recently exposed to human cases

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