Persistent SARS-CoV-2 antigen presence in multiple organs of a naturally infected cat from Brazil

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiological agent of the disease coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in humans. SARS-CoV-2 has been identified in cats with or without clinical signs. Case presentation: We describe the pathological and molecular findings in a six-monthold asymptomatic cat with SARS-CoV-2 infection from Brazil, belonging to a human family with COVID-19 cases. The pool of nasopharynx and oropharynx swabs at day zero tested positive by RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2. No amplification resulted from molecular testing performed on days 7 and 14. The cat was hit by a car and died 43 days after the molecular diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry at post-mortem examination demonstrated nucleocapsid protein in samples from the lungs, kidneys, nasal conchae, trachea, intestine, brain and spleen. Conclusion: The present study has highlighted the possibility that viral antigens can be detected by immunohistochemistry in multiple organs six weeks after infection, although the same tissues tested negative by RT-PCR.

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“…Several common viruses have been associated with antigen persistence including HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, influenza, several human herpes viruses including EBV and CMV 3 and, more recently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 22,[71][72][73][74][75] Persistent antigens stimulate immune pathways aimed at their elimination, the downsides of which include chronic inflammation and tissue damage which may impact multiple organ systems.…”

A Novel Host of an Emerging Disease: SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) Kept Under Clinical Care in Brazil

“…Immunohistochemistry (IHC) anti-SARS-CoV Nucleocapsid Protein (NP) was employed in the lung, heart, kidney, spleen, liver, stomach, small and large intestines, and spinal cord sections, according to Jarrah et al ( 2022 ), with minor modifications. Additional IHC using anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) was employed in the lung sections according to Pereira et al ( 2022 ).…”