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Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
Published on: December 4, 2015
SARS-CoV-2 does not infect pigs, but this has to be verified regularly
Tanja Opriessnig1,2, Yao-Wei Huang3
1The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK.
Abstract:
For successful xenotransplantation, freedom of the xenocraft donor from certain viral infections that may harm the organ recipient is important. A novel human coronavirus (CoV) with a respiratory tropism, designated as SARS-CoV-2, was first identified in January 2020 in China, but likely has been circulating unnoticed for some time before. Since then, this virus has reached most inhabited areas, resulting in a major global pandemic which is still ongoing. Due to a high number of subclinical infections, re-infections, geographic differences in diagnostic tests used, and differences in result reporting programs, the percentage of the population infected with SARS-CoV-2 at least once has been challenging to estimate. With continuous ongoing infections in people and an overall high viral load, it makes sense to look into possible viral spillover events in pets and farm animals, who are often in close contact with humans. The pig is currently the main species considered for xenotransplantation and hence there is interest to know if pigs can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and if so what the infection dynamics may look like. This review article summarizes the latest research findings on this topic. It would appear that pigs can currently be considered a low risk species, and hence do not pose an immediate risk to the human population or xenotransplantation recipients per se. Monitoring the ever-changing SARS-CoV-2 variants appears important to recognize immediately should this change in the future.
Insights
Pigs are currently considered a low risk for SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection, posing no immediate threat to xenotransplantation. Continuous monitoring of new virus variants is crucial for future safety assessments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- The global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) necessitates evaluating potential zoonotic risks.
- Xenotransplantation success hinges on donor animals being free from pathogens transmissible to humans.
- Pigs are a primary species for xenotransplantation, making their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 a critical research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the susceptibility of pigs to SARS-CoV-2.
- To assess the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from pigs to humans.
- To evaluate the implications of porcine SARS-CoV-2 infection for xenotransplantation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and observational studies on pigs and SARS-CoV-2.
- Analysis of viral shedding, transmission dynamics, and serological data in pigs.
- Assessment of risk factors and potential for human-to-pig and pig-to-human transmission.
Main Results:
- Pigs appear to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection but generally exhibit mild or subclinical disease.
- Evidence suggests limited efficient transmission between pigs and humans, with pigs posing a low risk.
- Current SARS-CoV-2 variants do not appear to pose a significant threat to pigs or xenotransplantation.
Conclusions:
- Pigs are currently considered a low-risk species regarding SARS-CoV-2.
- There is no immediate risk to the human population or xenotransplantation recipients from porcine SARS-CoV-2.
- Ongoing surveillance of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants is essential to proactively manage potential future risks.
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