Introduction:Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spilled over to humans via wild mammals, entering the host cell using angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as receptor through Spike (S) protein binding. While SARS-CoV-2 became fully adapted to humans and globally spread, some mammal species were infected back. The present study evaluated the potential risk of mammals becoming hosts for SARS-CoV-2 through bioinformatics prediction based on ACE2 receptors. Methods: We used evolutionary bioinformatic approaches and comparative analysis of ACE2 critical residues that bind SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and predicted potential SARS-CoV-2 hosts among mammals and assessed their risk. Results: ACE2 phylogenetic tree placed primates close to rodents and rabbits. Felines, rodents, and rabbits had higher ACE2 similarities than human ACE2 (hACE2). Farmed animals, such as bovids, swine, and equids, had similar ACE2 compared to hACE2; however, these animals showed low SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Some cetaceans also presented high similarities in ACE2 key residues with hACE2. Conclusion: Here, we showed wild and domestic mammals with a low divergence of ACE2 compared to humans, discussing their possible chance of being infected, especially those animals kept as livestock or pets. Regarding the feasible transmission through contaminated water, cetaceans can be at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Extensive surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 should be applied to prevent new coronavirus outbreaks and preserve mammals from infectious threats.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 are thought to transmit to humans via wild mammals, especially bats. However, evidence for direct bat-to-human transmission is lacking. Involvement of intermediate hosts is considered a reason for SARS-CoV-2 transmission to humans and emergence of outbreak. Large biodiversity is found in tropical territories, such as Brazil. On the similar line, this study aimed to predict potential coronavirus hosts among Brazilian wild mammals based on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) sequences using evolutionary bioinformatics. Cougar, maned wolf, and bush dogs were predicted as potential hosts for coronavirus. These indigenous carnivores are philogenetically closer to the known SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 hosts and presented low ACE2 divergence. A new coronavirus transmission chain was developed in which white-tailed deer, a susceptible SARS-CoV-2 host, have the central position. Cougar play an important role because of its low divergent ACE2 level in deer and humans. The discovery of these potential coronavirus hosts will be useful for epidemiological surveillance and discovery of interventions that can contribute to break the transmission chain.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been demonstrated to infect various mammals, including cats, dogs, and minks. Given the close coexistence of humans and cats, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants between these two species has been documented. This study involved the sampling of eight domestic cats that resided solely with their infected owners in Brazil, during the early stage of the Omicron variant wave. Nasal and anal secretion samples obtained from the eight cats were subjected to RT-qPCR analysis, which revealed no detection of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, serum samples collected from these cats did not show the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The findings of this study indicate that the Omicron variant has a low potential to infect felines, which contributes to the absence of transmission. Therefore, cats do not appear to play a significant role in the transmission chain of SARS-CoV-2.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.