One Health Investigation into Mpox and Pets, United States
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 14, 2024
Summary
Companion animals like dogs and cats were tested for monkeypox virus (MPXV) DNA. While some samples showed MPXV DNA, likely from human contamination, no evidence of infection in pets was found.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range.
- The susceptibility of common companion animals to MPXV remains largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding potential transmission routes to pets is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of MPXV DNA and orthopoxvirus antibodies in companion animals (dogs and cats) and their environment.
- To assess the potential for MPXV infection or transmission in households with human mpox cases.
- To differentiate between true infection and environmental contamination.
Main Methods:
- Collection of animal and environmental swab samples from homes of confirmed human mpox patients.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for MPXV and human DNA.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for orthopoxvirus antibody detection.
Main Results:
- MPXV DNA was detected in 12% of animal samples and 25% of environmental samples from 4 households.
- No viable MPXV or orthopoxvirus antibodies were detected in the tested companion animals.
- A high correlation between MPXV DNA and human DNA in positive samples suggested contamination from human cases.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence of MPXV infection in companion animals despite potential exposure.
- Detected MPXV DNA in animal and environmental samples was likely due to contamination from infected humans.
- Companion animals do not appear to be a significant reservoir or transmission route for MPXV in this context.
Keywords:
DNA contaminationMpoxOne HealthUnited Statescatscompanion animalsdogshouseholdmonkeypox virusorthopoxviruspetsviruseszoonosesMore Related Videos
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