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A SARS-CoV-2: Companion Animal Transmission and Variants Classification
Rachana Pandit1, Qiana L Matthews1,2
1Microbiology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Novel viruses like SARS-CoV-2 pose global health risks. This review examines SARS-CoV-2 variants, animal reservoirs, and transmission, emphasizing ongoing research for eradication.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Emerging infectious diseases, particularly coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2), represent significant global health threats.
- The widespread SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to the emergence of numerous variants with altered transmissibility, infectivity, and immune evasion.
- These viruses infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, companion animals, farm animals, zoo animals, and wildlife.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, focusing on its variants.
- To discuss potential animal reservoirs and natural infections in companion and farm animals.
- To highlight the importance of continued research and surveillance for viral epidemiology, animal transmission, variants, and seroprevalence.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on SARS-CoV-2.
- It focuses on analyzing data related to viral characteristics, host interactions, and epidemiological trends.
- Key areas of focus include SARS-CoV-2 variants, animal reservoirs, and natural infections.
Main Results:
- The review discusses the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their impact on disease spread.
- It explores the role of various animal species as potential reservoirs and hosts for SARS-CoV-2.
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in diverse animal populations is a critical aspect of the ongoing pandemic.
Conclusions:
- While vaccines and antivirals have helped manage COVID-19, complete eradication requires sustained research and surveillance.
- Understanding viral epidemiology, animal transmission dynamics, and variant evolution across diverse hosts is crucial.
- Continued monitoring of seroprevalence and viral characteristics in both human and animal populations is essential for future pandemic preparedness.
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