SARS-CoV-2 delta variant infection in domestic dogs and cats, Thailand

Waleemas Jairak; Ekkapat Chamsai; Kitikhun Udom; Kamonpan Charoenkul; Supassama Chaiyawong; Navapon Techakriengkrai; Ratanaporn Tangwangvivat; Kamol Suwannakarn; Alongkorn Amonsin

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-12468-y

Scientific Reports (May 2022)

SARS-CoV-2 delta variant infection in domestic dogs and cats, Thailand

Waleemas Jairak,
Ekkapat Chamsai,
Kitikhun Udom,
Kamonpan Charoenkul,
Supassama Chaiyawong,
Navapon Techakriengkrai,
Ratanaporn Tangwangvivat,
Kamol Suwannakarn,
Alongkorn Amonsin

Affiliations

Waleemas Jairak: Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Cluster, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University
Ekkapat Chamsai: Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Cluster, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University
Kitikhun Udom: Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Cluster, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University
Kamonpan Charoenkul: Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Cluster, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University
Supassama Chaiyawong: Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Cluster, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University
Navapon Techakriengkrai: Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Cluster, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University
Ratanaporn Tangwangvivat: Coordinating Unit for One Health, Division of Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control
Kamol Suwannakarn: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Alongkorn Amonsin: Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, and One Health Cluster, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-12468-y
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 12, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

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Abstract In June–September 2021, we investigated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in domestic dogs and cats (n = 225) in Bangkok and the vicinities, Thailand. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in a dog and a cat from COVID-19 positive households. Whole genome sequence analysis identified SARS-CoV-2 delta variant of concern (B.1.617.2). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 isolated from dog and cat were grouped into sublineage AY.30 and AY.85, respectively. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 could be detected in both dog (day 9) and cat (day 14) after viral RNA detection. This study raises awareness on spill-over of variant of concern in domestic animals due to human-animal interface. Thus, surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic pets should be routinely conducted.

Published in Scientific Reports

ISSN: 2045-2322 (Online)
Publisher: Nature Portfolio
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine; Science
Website: https://www.nature.com/srep/

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