Frontiers in Veterinary Science (Mar 2022)

Anthropogenic Infection of Domestic Cats With SARS-CoV-2 Alpha Variant B.1.1.7 Lineage in Buenos Aires

  • Andrea Pecora,
  • Dario Amilcar Malacari,
  • Marina Valeria Mozgovoj,
  • Marina Valeria Mozgovoj,
  • María de los Ángeles Díaz,
  • Andrea Verónica Peralta,
  • Marco Cacciabue,
  • Andrea Fabiana Puebla,
  • Cristian Carusso,
  • Silvia Leonor Mundo,
  • María Mora Gonzalez Lopez Ledesma,
  • Andrea Vanesa Gamarnik,
  • Osvaldo Rinaldi,
  • Osvaldo Vidal,
  • Javier Mas,
  • Javier Mas,
  • María José Dus Santos,
  • María José Dus Santos

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.790058
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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SARS-CoV-2 reverse zoonosis, particularly to domestic animals, and the potential role of infected animals in perpetuating the spread of the virus is an issue of increasing concern. In this case report, we identified the natural infection of two cats by SARS-CoV-2, in Argentina, whose owner had been previously infected by SARS-CoV-2. Viral genetic material was detected in feline oropharyngeal (OP) and rectal (R) swab by RT-qPCR, and sequence analysis revealed that the virus infecting the owner and one cat were genetically similar. The alpha variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) was identified with a unique additional mutation, strongly suggesting human-to-cat route of transmission. This study reinforces the One Health concept and the importance of integrating human, animal, and environmental perspectives to promptly address relevant health issues.

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