Frontiers in Veterinary Science (Sep 2021)

First Detection and Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda (C.37) Variant in Symptomatic Domestic Cats in Lima, Peru

  • Francesca Schiaffino,
  • Cusi Ferradas,
  • Luis M. Jara,
  • Guillermo Salvatierra,
  • Alejandra Dávila-Barclay,
  • Camila Sanchez-Carrion,
  • Alexandra Ulloa,
  • Lucero Mascaro,
  • Monica J. Pajuelo,
  • Luis Guevara Sarmiento,
  • Manolo Fernandez,
  • Mirko Zimic,
  • Mirko Zimic

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.737350
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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The role of domestic cats in the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 remains poorly characterized, especially in epidemiologic contexts of countries with high viral transmission. Here, we report the first evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant of interest in symptomatic domestic cats whose owners were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Lima, Peru, providing evidence that transmission of this new variant in domestic cats is occurring. More epidemiological studies are required to further characterize the role of domestic animals in the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.

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