Submit or Track your Manuscript LOG-IN

SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Does Not Sustain Replication in Companion Dogs: Insights from an Experimental Infection Model

SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Does Not Sustain Replication in Companion Dogs: Insights from an Experimental Infection Model

Lespek Kutumbetov1, Balzhan Myrzakhmetova1, Ainur Nurpeisova1, Zhandos Abay1*, Sandugash Sadikaliyeva1,2, Kamshat Shorayeva1, Kuanysh Jekebekov1, Yeraly Shayakhmetov1, Elina Kalimolda1, Alisher Omurtay1, Syrym Kopeyev1, Gulnur Nakhanova1, Bolat Yespembetov1, Asankadyr Zhunushov2, Hansang Yoo3, Sergazy Nurabayev1, Berik Khairullin4, Aslan Kerimbayev1, Markhabat Kassenov1, Kunsulu Zakarya1

1Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems, Guardeyskiy uts 080409, Kazakhstan; 2Institute of Biotechnology, National Academy of Sciences, Bishkek 720071, Kyrgyz Republic; 3College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; 4MVA Group Scientific-Research Production Center Ltd., Almaty 050046, Kazakhstan.

 
*Correspondence | Zhandos Abay, Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems, Guardeyskiy uts 080409, Kazakhstan; Email: [email protected] 

ABSTRACT

The potential role of companion animals in the transmission and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of domestic dogs to a human-derived SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant under experimental conditions. Seronegative, clinically healthy dogs were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group was intranasally inoculated with the strain SARS-CoV-2/Indian-Delta/KZ_Almaty/07.2021. Clinical signs were monitored, and samples were collected for hematology, biochemistry, serology (ELISA and microneutralization assay), RT-PCR, and histopathology over a 21-day period. Infected dogs exhibited mild, transient clinical signs including diarrhea, slight fever (up to 40.1°C), and mild weight loss. RT-PCR detected viral RNA only in rectal swabs on day 3 post-infection. Hematological changes included temporary reductions in leukocyte, erythrocyte, and lymphocyte counts. Antibody responses were detected by microneutralization assay and ELISA, with the former showing sustained increases through day 21. Histological examination revealed mild bronchial and alveolar inflammation, with no evidence of viral pneumonia. All control animals remained clinically and pathologically normal. While SARS-CoV-2 exposure in dogs elicited mild clinical signs and measurable antibody responses, there was no evidence of sustained viral replication or active shedding. These findings suggest that dogs are not likely to serve as reservoirs or vectors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Continued research is essential to monitor the interspecies dynamics of emerging coronaviruses within the One Health framework.
 
Keywords | SARS-CoV-2, Dogs, Susceptibility, Delta variant, Experimental infection, Serology, RT-PCR, Histopathology, Zoonosis

To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?

Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences

July

Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci., Vol. 13, Iss. 7,

Featuring

Click here for more

Subscribe Today

Receive free updates on new articles, opportunities and benefits


Subscribe Unsubscribe