scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Viral Isolations among Serially Tested Cats and Dogs in Households with Infected Owners in Texas, USA

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 938
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Hamer ◽  
Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa ◽  
Italo B. Zecca ◽  
Edward Davila ◽  
Lisa D. Auckland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Initial Test ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Household Transmission ◽  
Transmission Study ◽  
Initial Sampling

Understanding the ecological and epidemiological roles of pets in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is critical for animal and human health, identifying household reservoirs, and predicting the potential enzootic maintenance of the virus. We conducted a longitudinal household transmission study of 76 dogs and cats living with at least one SARS-CoV-2-infected human in Texas and found that 17 pets from 25.6% of 39 households met the national case definition for SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals. This includes three out of seventeen (17.6%) cats and one out of fifty-nine (1.7%) dogs that were positive by RT-PCR and sequencing, with the virus successfully isolated from the respiratory swabs of one cat and one dog. Whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 obtained from all four PCR-positive animals were unique variants grouping with genomes circulating among people with COVID-19 in Texas. Re-sampling showed persistence of viral RNA for at least 25 d-post initial test. Additionally, seven out of sixteen (43.8%) cats and seven out of fifty-nine (11.9%) dogs harbored SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies upon initial sampling, with relatively stable or increasing titers over the 2–3 months of follow-up and no evidence of seroreversion. The majority (82.4%) of infected pets were asymptomatic. ‘Reverse zoonotic’ transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected people to animals may occur more frequently than recognized.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant of concern detected in a pet dog and cat after exposure to a person with COVID-19, USA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Hamer ◽  
Ria Ghai ◽  
Italo B. Zecca ◽  
Lisa D. Auckland ◽  
Christopher M. Roundy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Nasal Swab ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
The United States ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Oral Swab ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Household Transmission ◽  
Transmission Study

Abstract As part of a longitudinal household transmission study of pets living with persons with COVID-19 in Texas, two pets were confirmed to be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant of concern (VOC). The pets were a dog and a cat from the same household, sampled two days after their owner tested positive for COVID-19. The oral, nasal, and fur swabs for both pets tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR and consensus whole genome sequences from the dog and cat were 100 % identical and matched the B.1.1.7 VOC. Virus was isolated from the cat’s nasal swab. One month after initial detection of infection, the pets were re-tested twice at which time only the fur swabs (both pets) and oral swab (dog only) remained positive, and neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 were present in both animals. Sneezing by both pets was noted by the owner in the weeks between initial and follow-up testing. This study documents the first detection of B.1.1.7. in companion animals in the United States, and the first genome recovery and isolation of B.1.1.7 variant of concern globally in any animal.

scholarly journals High secondary attack rate and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household transmission study participants, Finland 2020

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothee Dub ◽  
Hanna Nohynek ◽  
Lotta Hagberg ◽  
Oona Liedes ◽  
Anu Haveri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attack Rate ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Household Transmission ◽  
Transmission Study ◽  
Household Members ◽  
Transmission Studies ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Index Cases

Background Household transmission studies offer the opportunity to assess both secondary attack rate and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over time. Methods We invited confirmed COVID-19 cases and their household members to attend up to four household visits with collection of nasopharyngeal and serum samples over 28 days after index case onset. We calculated secondary attack rates (SAR) based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein IgG antibodies (IgG Ab) and/or neutralizing antibodies (NAb) overall and per households. Three and six months later, we assessed the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Findings We recruited 39 index cases and 90 household members. Among 87 household members evaluated, SAR was 48% (n=42), including 37 symptomatic secondary cases. In total, 80/129 (62%) participants developed both IgG Ab and NAb, while three participants only developed IgG Ab. Among participants who had both IgG Ab and NAb during the initial follow-up, 68/69 (99%) and 63/70 (90%) had IgG Ab and NAb at 3 months, while at 6 months, 59/75 (79%) and 63/75 (84%) had IgG Ab and NAb, respectively. Participants who required hospital care had initially 5-fold IgG Ab concentrations compared to cases with mild symptoms and 8-fold compared to asymptomatic cases. Interpretation Following detection of a COVID-19 case in a household, other members had a high risk of becoming infected. Follow-up of participants showed strong persistence of antibodies in most cases. Funding This study was supported by THL coordinated funding for COVID-19 research (Finnish Government's supplementary budget) and by the Academy of Finland (Decision number 336431).

scholarly journals Can we predict antibody responses in SARS-CoV-2? A cohort analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Gaeddert ◽  
Philip Kitchen ◽  
Tobias Broger ◽  
Stefan Weber ◽  
Ralf Bartenschlager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
High Antibody ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Median Increase ◽  
Antibody Titers

AbstractBackgroundAfter infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and virus-specific neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) develop. This study describes antibody responses in a cohort of recovered COVID-19 patients to identify predictors.MethodsWe recruited patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from Heidelberg, Germany. Blood samples were collected three weeks after COVID-19 symptoms ended. Participants with high antibody titers were invited for follow-up visits. IgG titers were measured by the Euroimmun Assay, and nAbs titers in a SARS-CoV-2 infection-based assay.Results281 participants were enrolled between April and August 2020 with IgG testing, 145 (51.6%) had nAbs, and 35 (12.5%) had follow-up. The median IgG optical density (OD) ratio was 3.1 (Interquartile range (IQR) 1.6-5.1), and 24.1% (35/145) had a nAb titer>1:80. Higher IgG titers were associated with increased age and more severe disease, and higher nAbs were associated with male gender and CT-value of 25-30 on RT-PCR at diagnosis. The median IgG OD ratio on follow-up was 3.7 (IQR 2.9-5.9), a median increase of 0.5 (IQR −0.3-1.7). Six participants with follow-up nAbs all had titers ≤ 1:80.ConclusionsWhile age and disease severity were correlated with IgG responses, predictive factors for nAbs in convalescent patients remain unclear.

scholarly journals Nucleic Acid Testing for Diagnosis of Perinatally Acquired Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Early Infancy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charitha Gowda ◽  
Stephanie Smith ◽  
Linda Crim ◽  
Katherine Moyer ◽  
Pablo J Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Perinatally Acquired

Abstract Background Most US children with perinatal hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposure fail to receive the recommended anti-HCV antibody test at age ≥18 months. Earlier testing for viral RNA might facilitate increased screening, but sensitivity of this approach has not been established. We hypothesized that modern HCV-RNA RT-PCR platforms would adequately detect infected infants. Methods Nationwide Children’s Hospital electronic health records from 1/1/2008 to 30/6/2018 were reviewed to identify perinatally exposed infants tested by HCV-RNA RT-PCR at age 2–6 months. Diagnostic performance was determined using a composite case definition: (1) infected children had positive repeat HCV-RNA testing or positive anti-HCV at age ≥24 months; (2) uninfected children lacked these criteria and had negative anti-HCV at age ≥18 months. Results 770 perinatally exposed infants underwent HCV-RNA testing at age 2–6 months. Of these, 28 (3.6%) tested positive; viremia was confirmed in all who underwent repeat testing (n = 27). Among 742 infants with negative HCV-RNA results, 226 received follow-up anti-HCV testing at age ≥18 months, of whom 223 tested negative. Three children had low-positive anti-HCV results at age 18–24 months that were negative upon retesting after age 24 months, possibly indicating waning maternal antibodies. Using the composite case definitions, early HCV-RNA screening demonstrated sensitivity of 100% (87.5–100%, Wilson-Brown 95% CI) and specificity of 100% (98.3–100%). Conclusions Modern HCV-RNA RT-PCR assays have excellent sensitivity for early diagnosis of perinatally acquired infection and could aid HCV surveillance given the substantial loss to follow-up at ≥18 months of age.

scholarly journals Increased Transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.1.7 by Age and Viral Load: Evidence from Danish Households

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederik Plesner Lyngse ◽  
Kåre Mølbak ◽  
Robert Leo Skov ◽  
Lasse Engbo Christiansen ◽  
Laust Hvas Mortensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Primary Case ◽  
Important Public Health ◽  
Household Transmission ◽  
Multiplicative Effect ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

Aim The aim of this study was to estimate the household transmissibility of SARSCoV-2 for lineage B.1.1.7 compared with other lineages, by age and viral load. Furthermore, we wanted to estimate whether there is a multiplicative or additive effect of the increased transmissibility of B.1.1.7 compared with other lineages. Background New lineages of SARS-CoV-2 are of potential concern due to higher transmissibility, risk of severe outcomes, and/or escape from neutralizing antibodies. Lineage B.1.1.7 has been estimated to be more transmissible than other previously known lineages, but the association between transmissibility and risk factors, such as age of primary case and viral load is still unknown. Methods We used comprehensive administrative data from Denmark, comprising the full population, all SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests, and all WGS lineage data (January 11 to February 7, 2021), to estimate household transmissibility stratified by lineage B.1.1.7 and other lineages. Results We included 5,241 households with primary cases; 808 were infected with SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 and 4,433 were infected with other lineages. The attack rate was 38% in households with a primary case infected with B.1.1.7 and 27% in households with a primary case infected with other lineages. Primary cases infected with B.1.1.7 had an increased transmissibility of 1.5-1.7 times that of primary cases infected with other lineages. The increased transmissibility of B.1.1.7 was multiplicative across age and viral load. Conclusions The results found in this study add new knowledge that can be used to mitigate the further spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7, which is becoming increasingly widespread in numerous countries. Our results clarify that the transmissibility of B.1.1.7 should be included as a multiplicative effect in mathematical models used as a tool for decision makers. The results may have important public health implications, as household transmission may serve as a bridge between otherwise separate transmission domains, such as schools and physical workplaces, despite implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions.

scholarly journals Comparison of clinical characteristics of Zika and dengue symptomatic infections and other acute illnesses of unidentified origin in Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e0009133
Author(s):  
Pablo F. Belaunzarán-Zamudio ◽  
Allyson Mateja ◽  
Paola del Carmen Guerra-de-Blas ◽  
Héctor A. Rincón-León ◽  
Karla Navarro-Fuentes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Function Tests ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Abnormal Liver Function ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Macular Rash ◽  
Observational Prospective Cohort Study ◽  
Pan American ◽  
Clinical Description ◽  
Definition Of

Background Our purpose was to provide a detailed clinical description, of symptoms and laboratory abnormalities, and temporality in patients with confirmed Zika and dengue infections, and other acute illnesses of unidentified origin (AIUO). Methods/ Principal findings This was a two-year, multicenter, observational, prospective, cohort study. We collected data from patients meeting the Pan American Health Organization’s modified case-definition criteria for probable Zika infection. We identified Zika, dengue chikungunya by RT-PCR in serum and urine. We compared characteristics between patients with confirmed Zika and dengue infections, Zika and AIUO, and Dengue and AIUO at baseline, Days 3,7,28 and 180 of follow-up. Most episodes (67%) consistent with the PAHO definition of probable Zika could not be confirmed as due to any flavivirus and classified as Acute Illnesses of Unidentified Origin (AIUO). Infections by Zika and dengue accounted for 8.4% and 16% of episodes. Dengue patients presented with fever, generalized non-macular rash, arthralgia, and petechiae more frequently than patients with Zika during the first 10 days of symptoms. Dengue patients presented with more laboratory abnormalities (lower neutrophils, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia and abnormal liver function tests), with thrombocytopenia lasting for 28 days. Zika patients had conjunctivitis, photophobia and localized macular rash more frequently than others. Few differences persisted longer than 10 days after symptoms initiation: conjunctivitis in Zika infections, and self-reported rash and petechia in dengue infections. Conclusions Our study helps characterize the variety and duration of clinical features in patients with Zika, dengue and AIUO. The lack of diagnosis in most patients points to need for better diagnostics to assist clinicians in making specific etiologic diagnoses.

scholarly journals Natural SARS-CoV-2 infections, including virus isolation, among serially tested cats and dogs in households with confirmed human COVID-19 cases in Texas, USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Hamer ◽  
Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa ◽  
Italo B. Zecca ◽  
Edward Davila ◽  
Lisa D. Auckland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
One Health ◽  
Virus Isolation ◽  
Initial Test ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
And Control ◽  
Over Time

AbstractThe natural infections and epidemiological roles of household pets in SARS-CoV-2 transmission are not understood. We conducted a longitudinal study of dogs and cats living with at least one SARS-CoV-2 infected human in Texas and found 47.1% of 17 cats and 15.3% of 59 dogs from 25.6% of 39 households were positive for SARS-CoV-2 via RT-PCR and genome sequencing or neutralizing antibodies. Virus was isolated from one cat. The majority (82.4%) of infected pets were asymptomatic. Re-sampling of one infected cat showed persistence of viral RNA at least 32 d-post human diagnosis (25 d-post initial test). Across 15 antibody-positive animals, titers increased (33.3%), decreased (33.3%) or were stable (33.3%) over time. A One Health approach is informative for prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

scholarly journals Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within households: a prospective cohort study in the Netherlands and Belgium – Interim results

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
JDM Verberk ◽  
MLA de Hoog ◽  
I Westerhof ◽  
S Van Goethem ◽  
C Lammens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Index Cases ◽  
New Onset ◽  
Subject Characteristics

ABSTRACTBackgroundHousehold transmission studies are useful to obtain granular data on SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and to gain insight into the main determinants. In this interim report we investigated secondary attack rates (SAR) by household and subject characteristics in the Netherlands and Belgium.MethodsHouseholds with a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed SARS-CoV-2 index case were enrolled <48 hours following report of the positive test result. Daily symptom follow-up, standardized nose-throat sampling at enrollment and at new-onset acute respiratory illness (ARI) and paired dried blood spots (DBS) were collected from each participant. Children 0-2 years of age were additionally requested to collect a stool sample 7 days after enrollment and at new-onset of ARI. Swabs and stool samples were tested by RT-PCR for virus detection and DBS by multiplex protein microarray for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The SAR was calculated 1) per-household as the proportion of households with ≥1 secondary SARS-CoV-2 case and 2) per-person as the probability of infection in household members at risk. We explored differences in SARs by household and subject characteristics.ResultsThis analysis includes 117 households that completed follow-up between April-December 2020. Among 382 subjects, 74 secondary infections were detected, of which 13 (17.6%) were asymptomatic and 20 (27.0%) infections were detected by seroconversion only. Of cases detected by RT-PCR, 50 (67.6%) were found at enrollment. The household SAR was 44.4% (95%-CI: 35.4-53.9%) and was higher for index cases meeting the ARI case definition (52.3%; 95%-CI 41.4-62.9%) compared to mildly symptomatic (22.2%; 95%-CI: 9.4-42.7%) and asymptomatic index cases (0.0%; 95%-CI: 0.0-80.2%). The per-person SAR was 27.9% (95%-CI: 22.7-33.8%). Transmission was lowest from child to parent (9.1%; 95%-CI: 2.4-25.5%) and highest from parent to child (28.1%; 95%-CI: 19.7-38.4%) and in children 6-12 years (34.2%; 95%-CI: 20.1-51.4%). Among 141 subjects with RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, seroconversion was detected in 111 (78.7%).ConclusionWe found a high household SAR, with the large majority of transmissions detected early after identification of the index case. Our findings confirm differential SAR by symptom status of the index. In almost a quarter of RT-PCR positive cases, no antibodies were detected. Other factors influencing transmission will be further explored as more data accumulate.

scholarly journals Clinical spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 in Iceland: population based cohort study

BMJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. m4529
Author(s):  
Elias Eythorsson ◽  
Dadi Helgason ◽  
Ragnar Freyr Ingvarsson ◽  
Helgi K Bjornsson ◽  
Lovisa Bjork Olafsdottir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Population Screening ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Objective To characterise the symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19). Design Population based cohort study. Setting Iceland. Participants All individuals who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) between 17 March and 30 April 2020. Cases were identified by three testing strategies: targeted testing guided by clinical suspicion, open invitation population screening based on self referral, and random population screening. All identified cases were enrolled in a telehealth monitoring service, and symptoms were systematically monitored from diagnosis to recovery. Main outcome measures Occurrence of one or more of 19 predefined symptoms during follow-up. Results Among 1564 people positive for SARS-CoV-2, the most common presenting symptoms were myalgia (55%), headache (51%), and non-productive cough (49%). At the time of diagnosis, 83 (5.3%) individuals reported no symptoms, of whom 49 (59%) remained asymptomatic during follow-up. At diagnosis, 216 (14%) and 349 (22%) people did not meet the case definition of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, respectively. Most (67%) of the SARS-CoV-2-positive patients had mild symptoms throughout the course of their disease. Conclusion In the setting of broad access to RT-PCR testing, most SARS-CoV-2-positive people were found to have mild symptoms. Fever and dyspnoea were less common than previously reported. A substantial proportion of SARS-CoV-2-positive people did not meet recommended case definitions at the time of diagnosis.

scholarly journals Neutralizing Antibodies Correlate with Protection from SARS-CoV-2 in Humans during a Fishery Vessel Outbreak with a High Attack Rate

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Addetia ◽  
Katharine H. D. Crawford ◽  
Adam Dingens ◽  
Haiying Zhu ◽  
Pavitra Roychoudhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attack Rate ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Metagenomic Sequencing ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Serological Screening ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Correlates Of Protection ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr

ABSTRACT The development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 would be greatly facilitated by the identification of immunological correlates of protection in humans. However, to date, studies on protective immunity have been performed only in animal models and correlates of protection have not been established in humans. Here, we describe an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 on a fishing vessel associated with a high attack rate. Predeparture serological and viral reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) testing along with repeat testing after return to shore was available for 120 of the 122 persons on board over a median follow-up of 32.5 days (range, 18.8 to 50.5 days). A total of 104 individuals had an RT-PCR-positive viral test with a cycle threshold (CT) of <35 or seroconverted during the follow-up period, yielding an attack rate on board of 85.2% (104/122 individuals). Metagenomic sequencing of 39 viral genomes suggested that the outbreak originated largely from a single viral clade. Only three crew members tested seropositive prior to the boat’s departure in initial serological screening and also had neutralizing and spike-reactive antibodies in follow-up assays. None of the crew members with neutralizing antibody titers showed evidence of bona fide viral infection or experienced any symptoms during the viral outbreak. Therefore, the presence of neutralizing antibodies from prior infection was significantly associated with protection against reinfection (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.002).

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