China identifies new feline coronavirus that is extremely lethal and could pose a threat to humans
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 14, 2024 10 hours, 34 minutes ago
Medical News: Discovery of a Highly Lethal Feline Coronavirus
In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers in China have identified a new strain of feline coronavirus known as FCoV HL2019, found to be highly lethal among cats. The discovery, led by scientists from the Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Research Center of General Administration of Customs in Beijing, has raised concerns due to the virus's similarities to human coronaviruses. This new strain, belonging to the Type I variant of feline coronavirus, has shown a propensity for causing severe disease, including feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal illness in cats.
China identifies new feline coronavirus that is extremely lethal and could pose a threat to humans
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Medical News report delves into the findings of this groundbreaking study, where researchers sequenced the virus’s complete genome, revealing significant genetic traits and potential for recombination, an essential aspect for understanding the virus's behavior and transmission.
A Closer Look at HL2019's Pathogenicity
The HL2019 strain was isolated from a British Shorthair cat in Anhui Province, China, and researchers found it to be extremely pathogenic. Laboratory tests involving 9 to 12-month-old cats showed that HL2019 spread quickly and severely impacted the animals' health. Within 28 days, two out of three infected cats displayed classic symptoms of FIP, including weight loss, persistent fever, inappetence, and, eventually, death. Real-time PCR testing revealed that the virus exhibited a broad tissue tropism, or the ability to infect multiple tissues, with the highest viral load found in the duodenum at a concentration of 10^4 copies per milligram.
Microscopic examination of tissue samples from infected cats revealed signs of severe inflammation. The virus particularly targeted macrophages - cells essential for immune defense - while also causing lesions in organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines. The cats in the HL2019 group displayed a consistent fever and significant weight loss, contrasting with the control group, which showed no symptoms.
Genomic Characteristics and the Threat of Recombination
A central aspect of the study focused on analyzing the genome of HL2019. Researchers sequenced its complete genome, identifying 29,044 nucleotides, which code for structural proteins (spike, envelope, membrane, and nucleocapsid) and other proteins vital for the virus’s lifecycle. The genetic analysis placed HL2019 close to other FCoV Type I strains but more distantly related to FCoV Type II, which is typically less virulent. Interestingly, the genome of HL2019 bears notable similarities to human coronavirus strains HCoV 229E and HCoV NL63, suggesting an evolutionary link and hinting at the potential risk of cross-species transmission.
Through recombination analysis, researchers identified genetic sequences within the HL2019 strain that are likely derived from other feline c
oronaviruses, including FCoV I China/ZJU1709 and FCoV I Netherlands/UU16. This recombination - a process where viruses exchange genetic material to form new strains - was particularly evident in the virus’s ORF1a region, which encodes an enzyme called papain-like protease (PLpro). This enzyme is crucial for viral replication and is also known to suppress the immune response, allowing the virus to evade immune defenses more effectively. Recombination events within ORF1a could facilitate the virus's adaptability and increase its potential for infecting new species.
Implications for Human Health and Cross-Species Transmission
One of the most concerning findings from this study is the close genetic relationship between FCoV Type I strains and human coronaviruses, such as HCoV 229E and HCoV NL63. Previous studies have documented cases of coronaviruses crossing species barriers, notably in SARS-CoV-2, which has been observed to infect cats. This new feline strain’s similarities with human coronaviruses raise questions about the possibility of HL2019 evolving further to infect humans. While there is no direct evidence yet that HL2019 can infect humans, the study’s authors emphasize the need for vigilance, especially given the history of coronaviruses in crossing species.
The researchers highlight that cats could potentially serve as intermediate hosts for coronavirus strains that could jump to humans. With the demonstrated pathogenicity of HL2019 in feline populations, it’s essential to monitor this virus’s spread in domestic and feral cats alike. A cross-species transmission could pose a significant threat to human health, especially if the virus were to acquire additional mutations that increase its infectivity in humans.
Conclusion: A Call for Continued Surveillance and Research
The discovery of the HL2019 strain is an important milestone in understanding feline coronaviruses and their potential risks to both cats and humans. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the evolution of feline coronaviruses, particularly those belonging to the highly pathogenic Type I group.
The scientists behind this research urge for ongoing surveillance of FCoV strains in cat populations to detect emerging variants that may have zoonotic potential, meaning the ability to jump from animals to humans.
As the study sheds light on the virus’s high virulence and genetic complexity, it also calls for heightened biosecurity measures in animal handling and closer monitoring of companion animals’ health, especially given the increasing interactions between humans and pets. As researchers continue to investigate the nuances of HL2019’s genomic structure and pathogenesis, understanding this virus in greater depth will be crucial in developing potential preventive measures and therapeutic strategies.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Transboundary and Emerging Diseases.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2024/4162458
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/warning-sars-cov-2-infections-are-widespread-in-cats-and-could-lead-to-mutations-escaping-human-immunity-upon-spillback
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