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Viruses
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Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2: Second Volume
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Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2: Second Volume

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Coronaviruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 11566

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Suresh Varma Kuchipudi

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Guest Editor
Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
Interests: emerging and zoonotic viruses; mechanisms of spillover; virus-host interactions; viral diagnostics and interventions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Vivek Kapur

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Guest Editor
Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Interests: pathogenic microbes; mechanisms of infection; colonization in host
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Joshy Jacob

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Interests: B cell memory; generation, regulation, and self-maintaining of B cell memory
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Santhamani Ramasamy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, 2130 Public Health, School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
Interests: virology; virus-host interactions; diagnostics; vaccines; viral immunology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Both human and non-human animal species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and multiple spillovers from humans to non-human animal hosts have been documented, including amongst companion animals, farmed animals, and captive and free-living wild animals. The recent findings of widespread SARS-CoV-2 infection in free-living white-tailed deer highlight an urgent need to address the many open questions relating to the role of various animal hosts in the natural ecology and evolution, pathogenesis, transmission dynamics, and host responses of SARS-CoV-2.

For this second volume of the Special Issue, we encourage colleagues to submit original manuscripts, case reports, and targeted reviews relating to the ecology and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in non-human animal hosts. Epidemiological and laboratory studies on reverse zoonoses, transmission dynamics at the animal–human interface, SARS-CoV-2 surveillance of animal populations, and the identification of animal reservoirs are strongly encouraged. Manuscripts describing comparative and mechanistic studies relating to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, host innate and adaptive immune response, and virus adaptation in humans and animals are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Suresh Varma Kuchipudi
Prof. Dr. Vivek Kapur
Prof. Dr. Joshy Jacob
Dr. Santhamani Ramasamy
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • SARS-CoV-2
  • animal–human interface
  • animal reservoirs
  • one health
  • pathogenicity and pathogenesis
  • spillover and spillback
  • surveillance
  • virus evolution and adaptation
  • zoonoses and reverse zoonoses

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2141 KiB  
Article
Higher Frequency of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Shedding by Cats than Dogs in Households with Owners Recently Diagnosed with COVID-19
by Michele Lunardi, Felippe Danyel Cardoso Martins, Emanuele Gustani-Buss, Roberta Torres Chideroli, Isabela Medeiros de Oliveira, Kamila Chagas Peronni, David Livingstone Alves Figueiredo, Alice Fernandes Alfieri and Amauri Alcindo Alfieri
Viruses 2024, 16(10), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101599 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 970
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated the susceptibility of companion animals to natural infection with SARS-CoV-2. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analyses, this study investigated SARS-CoV-2 RNA excretion in pets in households with infected owners. Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from [...] Read more.
Studies have demonstrated the susceptibility of companion animals to natural infection with SARS-CoV-2. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analyses, this study investigated SARS-CoV-2 RNA excretion in pets in households with infected owners. Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from dogs and cats in Parana, Southern Brazil, between October 2020 and April 2021. Viral RNA was detected in 25% of cats and 0.98% of dog oropharyngeal swabs; however, systemic, respiratory, and gastrointestinal signs were absent. Complete viral genomes belonged to the Gamma lineage. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that pet samples were probably derived from human-positive cases in Parana. Viral excretion in the oropharynx was more frequent in cats than in dogs. Mutations in the S protein characteristic of Gamma strains were present in all sequenced SARS-CoV-2 strains. The receptor-binding domain of these Brazilian strains did not show any additional mutations not reported in the Gamma strains. Mutations in NSP6, NSP12, and N proteins previously mapped to strains that infect deer or minks were detected. This study highlights the importance of actively monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 strains that infect pets with continued viral exposure. Monitoring genetic changes is crucial because new variants adapted to animals may pose human health risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2: Second Volume)
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22 pages, 6613 KiB  
Article
Investigations on the Potential Role of Free-Ranging Wildlife as a Reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 in Switzerland
by Juliette Kuhn, Iris Marti, Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis, Kerstin Wernike, Sarah Jones, Grace Tyson, Gary Delalay, Patrick Scherrer, Stéphanie Borel, Margaret J. Hosie, Anja Kipar, Evelyn Kuhlmeier, Tatjana Chan, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann and Marina L. Meli
Viruses 2024, 16(9), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091407 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1668
Abstract
Amid the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, concerns surfaced regarding the spread of the virus to wildlife. Switzerland lacked data concerning the exposure of free-ranging animals to SARS-CoV-2 during this period. This study aimed to investigate the potential exposure of Swiss free-ranging wildlife to SARS-CoV-2. From [...] Read more.
Amid the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, concerns surfaced regarding the spread of the virus to wildlife. Switzerland lacked data concerning the exposure of free-ranging animals to SARS-CoV-2 during this period. This study aimed to investigate the potential exposure of Swiss free-ranging wildlife to SARS-CoV-2. From 2020 to 2023, opportunistically collected samples from 712 shot or found dead wild mustelids (64 European stone and pine martens, 13 European badgers, 10 European polecats), canids (449 red foxes, 41 gray wolves, one golden jackal) and felids (56 Eurasian lynx, 18 European wildcats), as well as from 45 captured animals (39 Eurasian lynx, 6 European wildcats) were tested. A multi-step serological approach detecting antibodies to the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and N-terminal S1 subunit followed by surrogate virus neutralization (sVNT) and pseudotype-based virus neutralization assays against different SARS-CoV-2 variants was performed. Additionally, viral RNA loads were quantified in lung tissues and in oronasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swabs by reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-qPCRs). Serologically, SARS-CoV-2 exposure was confirmed in 14 free-ranging Swiss red foxes (prevalence 3.1%, 95% CI: 1.9–5.2%), two Eurasian lynx (2.2%, 95% CI: 0.6–7.7%), and one European wildcat (4.2%, 95% CI: 0.2–20.2%). Two positive foxes exhibited neutralization activity against the BA.2 and BA.1 Omicron variants. No active infection (viral RNA) was detected in any animal tested. This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in free-ranging red foxes, Eurasian lynx, and European wildcats worldwide. It confirms the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to free-ranging wildlife in Switzerland but does not provide evidence of reservoir formation. Our results underscore the susceptibility of wildlife populations to SARS-CoV-2 and the importance of understanding diseases in a One Health Concept. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2: Second Volume)
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15 pages, 2014 KiB  
Communication
Comparative Proteomics and Interactome Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein in Human and Bat Cell Lines
by Stuart D. Armstrong, Covadonga Alonso and Isabel Garcia-Dorival
Viruses 2024, 16(7), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16071117 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1086
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19 and responsible for the global coronavirus pandemic which started in 2019. Despite exhaustive efforts to trace its origins, including potential links with pangolins and bats, the precise origins of [...] Read more.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19 and responsible for the global coronavirus pandemic which started in 2019. Despite exhaustive efforts to trace its origins, including potential links with pangolins and bats, the precise origins of the virus remain unclear. Bats have been recognized as natural hosts for various coronaviruses, including the Middle East respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and the SARS-CoV. This study presents a comparative analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N) interactome in human and bat cell lines. We identified approximately 168 cellular proteins as interacting partners of SARS-CoV-2 N in human cells and 196 cellular proteins as interacting partners with this protein in bat cells. The results highlight pathways and events that are both common and unique to either bat or human cells. Understanding these interactions is crucial to comprehend the reasons behind the remarkable resilience of bats to viral infections. This study provides a foundation for a deeper understanding of host–virus interactions in different reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2: Second Volume)
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15 pages, 3807 KiB  
Article
Acute and Long COVID Intestinal Changes in an Experimental Model of Coronavirus in Mice
by Hussain Hussain, Nila Elumalai, Natarajan Sampath, Nagarajarao Shamaladevi, Rima Hajjar, Brian Zachary Druyan, Amirah B. Rashed, Rajalakshmi Ramamoorthy, Norma S. Kenyon, Arumugam R. Jayakumar and Michael J. Paidas
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060832 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 2164
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in early 2020, has had a profound and lasting impact on global health, resulting in over 7.0 million deaths and persistent challenges. In addition to acute concerns, there is growing attention being given to the long COVID health [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in early 2020, has had a profound and lasting impact on global health, resulting in over 7.0 million deaths and persistent challenges. In addition to acute concerns, there is growing attention being given to the long COVID health consequences for survivors of COVID-19 with documented cases of cardiovascular abnormalities, liver disturbances, lung complications, kidney issues, and noticeable cognitive deficits. Recent studies have investigated the physiological changes in various organs following prolonged exposure to murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1), a coronavirus, in mouse models. One significant finding relates to the effects on the gastrointestinal tract, an area previously understudied regarding the long-lasting effects of COVID-19. This research sheds light on important observations in the intestines during both the acute and the prolonged phases following MHV-1 infection, which parallel specific changes seen in humans after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Our study investigates the histopathological alterations in the small intestine following MHV-1 infection in murine models, revealing significant changes reminiscent of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease. Notable findings include mucosal inflammation, lymphoid hyperplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, and immune cell infiltration, mirroring pathological features observed in IBD. Additionally, MHV-1 infection induces villous atrophy, altered epithelial integrity, and inflammatory responses akin to celiac disease and IBD. SPIKENET (SPK) treatment effectively mitigates intestinal damage caused by MHV-1 infection, restoring tissue architecture and ameliorating inflammatory responses. Furthermore, investigation into long COVID reveals intricate inflammatory profiles, highlighting the potential of SPK to modulate intestinal responses and restore tissue homeostasis. Understanding these histopathological alterations provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-induced gastrointestinal complications and informs the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2: Second Volume)
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16 pages, 2214 KiB  
Article
Epidemiologic and Genomic Evidence for Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among People and Animals on a Michigan Mink Farm, United States, 2020
by Ria R. Ghai, Anne Straily, Nora Wineland, Jennifer Calogero, Mary Grace Stobierski, Kimberly Signs, Melissa Blievernicht, Yaritbel Torres-Mendoza, Michelle A. Waltenburg, Jillian A. Condrey, Heather M. Blankenship, Diana Riner, Nancy Barr, Michele Schalow, Jarold Goodrich, Cheryl Collins, Ausaf Ahmad, John Michael Metz, Owen Herzegh, Kelly Straka, Dustin M. Arsnoe, Anthony G. Duffiney, Susan A. Shriner, Markus H. Kainulainen, Ann Carpenter, Florence Whitehill, Natalie M. Wendling, Robyn A. Stoddard, Adam C. Retchless, Anna Uehara, Ying Tao, Yan Li, Jing Zhang, Suxiang Tong and Casey Barton Behraveshadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Viruses 2023, 15(12), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15122436 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1916
Abstract
Farmed mink are one of few animals in which infection with SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in sustained transmission among a population and spillback from mink to people. In September 2020, mink on a Michigan farm exhibited increased morbidity and mortality rates due to confirmed [...] Read more.
Farmed mink are one of few animals in which infection with SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in sustained transmission among a population and spillback from mink to people. In September 2020, mink on a Michigan farm exhibited increased morbidity and mortality rates due to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We conducted an epidemiologic investigation to identify the source of initial mink exposure, assess the degree of spread within the facility’s overall mink population, and evaluate the risk of further viral spread on the farm and in surrounding wildlife habitats. Three farm employees reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19 the same day that increased mortality rates were observed among the mink herd. One of these individuals, and another asymptomatic employee, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) 9 days later. All but one mink sampled on the farm were positive for SARS-CoV-2 based on nucleic acid detection from at least one oral, nasal, or rectal swab tested by RT-qPCR (99%). Sequence analysis showed high degrees of similarity between sequences from mink and the two positive farm employees. Epidemiologic and genomic data, including the presence of F486L and N501T mutations believed to arise through mink adaptation, support the hypothesis that the two employees with SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection contracted COVID-19 from mink. However, the specific source of virus introduction onto the farm was not identified. Three companion animals living with mink farm employees and 31 wild animals of six species sampled in the surrounding area were negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. Results from this investigation support the necessity of a One Health approach to manage the zoonotic spread of SARS-CoV-2 and underscores the critical need for multifaceted public health approaches to prevent the introduction and spread of respiratory viruses on mink farms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2: Second Volume)
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19 pages, 13997 KiB  
Review
SPIKENET: An Evidence-Based Therapy for Long COVID
by Nila Elumalai, Hussain Hussain, Natarajan Sampath, Nagarajarao Shamaladevi, Rima Hajjar, Brian Zachary Druyan, Amirah B. Rashed, Rajalakshmi Ramamoorthy, Norma S. Kenyon, Arumugam R. Jayakumar and Michael J. Paidas
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060838 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 3065
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most impactful events in our lifetime, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants were reported globally, and a wide range of symptoms existed. Individuals who contract COVID-19 continue to suffer for [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most impactful events in our lifetime, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants were reported globally, and a wide range of symptoms existed. Individuals who contract COVID-19 continue to suffer for a long time, known as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). While COVID-19 vaccines were widely deployed, both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals experienced long-term complications. To date, there are no treatments to eradicate long COVID. We recently conceived a new approach to treat COVID in which a 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide (SPIKENET, SPK) is targeted to the ACE2 receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, which prevents the virus from attaching to the host. We also found that SPK precludes the binding of spike glycoproteins with the receptor carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) of a coronavirus, murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1), and with all SARS-CoV-2 variants. Further, SPK reversed the development of severe inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue edema, and animal death post-MHV-1 infection in mice. SPK also protects against multiple organ damage in acute and long-term post-MHV-1 infection. Our findings collectively suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of SPK for treating COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Hosts of SARS-CoV-2: Second Volume)
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