Most cited article - PubMed ID 35616738
Reverse-zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 lineage alpha (B.1.1.7) to great apes and exotic felids in a zoo in the Czech Republic
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects both humans and a wide range of mammalian species globally. Between July 2022 and January 2023, fifteen blood samples were collected from twelve different animal species during veterinary examinations, as well as for health control at Wilhelma Zoo, Germany. These samples were later analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The serum analysis from two gorillas indicated the presence of antibodies specific to the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting previous infection. These gorillas were sampled in August and September 2022, during which time they exhibited symptoms such as apathy, anorexia, vomiting, and moderate diarrhea-symptoms not typically associated with COVID-19. Given that several periods of other unusual signs have been observed in the gorillas kept in Wilhelma Zoo since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains uncertain whether these symptoms were directly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection or if these gorillas underwent clinically inapparent infection before. Nonetheless, this study underscores the importance of ongoing animal screening in zoos to better understand the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among different animal species.
- Keywords
- COVID-19, serological surveillance, western lowland gorillas, zoo animals,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * epidemiology diagnosis immunology blood veterinary MeSH
- Gorilla gorilla virology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Antibodies, Viral * blood MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * immunology MeSH
- Mammals virology MeSH
- COVID-19 Serological Testing methods MeSH
- Animals, Zoo * virology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Germany epidemiology MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Antibodies, Viral * MeSH
Coronaviruses (members of the Coronaviridae family) are prominent in veterinary medicine, with several known infectious agents commonly reported. In contrast, human medicine has disregarded coronaviruses for an extended period. Within the past two decades, coronaviruses have caused three major outbreaks. One such outbreak was the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Over the 3-year COVID-19 outbreak, several instances of zooanthroponosis have been documented, which pose risks for virus modifications and possible re-emergence of the virus into the human population, causing a new epidemic and possible threats for vaccination or treatment failure. Therefore, widespread screening of animals is an essential technique for mitigating future risks and repercussions. However, mass detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animals might be challenging. In silico prediction modeling, experimental studies conducted on various animal species, and natural infection episodes recorded in various species might provide information on the potential threats to wildlife. They may be useful for diagnostic and mass screening purposes. In this review, the possible methods of wildlife screening, based on experimental data and environmental elements that might play a crucial role in its effective implementation, are reviewed.
