Animals (Feb 2023)

Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV in Beagle Dogs

  • Kwang-Soo Lyoo,
  • Yoon-Hwan Yeo,
  • Sung-Geun Lee,
  • Minjoo Yeom,
  • Joo-Yeon Lee,
  • Kyung-Chang Kim,
  • Daesub Song

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040624
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 4
p. 624

Abstract

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The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in unprecedented challenges to healthcare worldwide. In particular, the anthroponotic transmission of human coronaviruses has become a common concern among pet owners. Here, we experimentally inoculated beagle dogs with SARS-CoV-2 or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) to compare their susceptibility to and the pathogenicity of these viruses. The dogs in this study exhibited weight loss and increased body temperatures and shed the viruses in their nasal secretions, feces, and urine. Pathologic changes were observed in the lungs of the dogs inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 or MERS-CoV. Additionally, clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, such as increased lactate dehydrogenase levels, were identified in the current study.

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