Thailand Medical Researchers Find That Up To 22.67 Percent Of Cats Tested During The Last Five COVID-19 Waves Were Seropositive

In the wake of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission has become a crucial aspect of public health research. Beyond human-to-human transmission, emerging evidence has pointed towards the potential transmission of the virus from humans to animals, specifically, our feline companions. Thailand, experiencing five waves of COVID-19 outbreaks from December 2020 to March 2022, became a unique setting for a study conducted by researchers from Kasetsart University-Thailand, Thammasat University-Thailand, Colorado State University-USA and the University of Bari-Italy.. The study covered in this Thailand Medical news report, aimed to delve into the intricate interplay between human and feline populations, shedding light on the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in cats.


Up To 22.67 Percent Of Cats Tested In Thailand During The
Last Five COVID-19 Waves Were Seropositive

Objectives and Background
The primary objectives of the research were ambitious, seeking to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Thai cats during different epidemic waves, evaluate the effectiveness of a modified human commercial test kit for screening SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats, and explore the correlation between cat infections and human epidemic episodes. The backdrop for this study was marked by the atypical case of a veterinarian contracting the virus through close contact with an infected cat, bringing attention to the potential zoonotic transmission pathways.
 
Empirical evidence from previous studies had suggested an increased susceptibility of cats to SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory experiments had further confirmed their ability to not only contract but also transmit the virus. As a result, the study emphasized the critical need for continuous surveillance to comprehend the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in both human and feline populations.
 
Methods
A meticulous approach was undertaken in collecting and analyzing data for the study. A total of 1107 cat serum samples from various provinces were collected and screened using a modified indirect ELISA human SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection kit. This sophisticated method allowed researchers to examine the presence of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 in feline serum, providing valuable insights into the prevalence of the virus in cat populations. The results were striking, revealing a seropositivity rate of 22.67%, mirroring the trends observed in humans during the five epidemic waves.
 
To further validate the findings, a cPass™ neutralization test was employed. This test, known for its reliability in confirming the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, revealed a 3.99% seropositivity rate. The combination of these two tests provided a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of the virus in cats, allowing researchers to draw correlations with human epidemic episodes.
 
Results and Correlations
The study revealed distinct patterns among epidemic waves, with Samut Sakhon province in Thailand emerging as a focal po int of interest. This province demonstrated a robust positive correlation between the proportion of positive cat sera and human prevalence. Such regional variations underscored the complexity of the interplay between human and feline populations, emphasizing the need for localized investigations to capture the nuances of transmission dynamics.
 
The correlation between the number of positive cat serum samples and the prevalence of reported human cases was particularly significant in Chon Buri province. Simple linear regression models were employed to test if the prevalence of reported human cases could predict the number of ELISA-positive cat serum samples, revealing a statistically significant relationship. This finding highlighted the potential of using cat populations as indicators for human infections, especially in regions where such correlations were strong.
 
Discussion
The study's discussion delved into the significance of continuous surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in both human and feline populations. The potential role of cats as sentinels for human infections was explored, balancing the understanding that owning a domestic cat appears to pose a low risk for additional human infections. The importance of separating cats from infected individuals was emphasized as a preventive measure, despite the seemingly low risk.
 
The intriguing observation of a decline in cat cases after the fourth wave, amid rising human cases, raised questions about a potential association with the emergence of the Omicron variant. This temporal alignment suggested viral evolution favoring increased human adaptability while potentially reducing feline susceptibility. The discussion acknowledged the need for molecular and epidemiological investigations to shed light on the intricate interplay between viral evolution and host susceptibility.
 
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comprehensive study on SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in human and feline populations during five outbreak waves in Thailand provided valuable insights into the complex transmission dynamics. Despite certain limitations and challenges in establishing statistical significance, the research emphasized the importance of employing multiple testing methods for accurate assessments during outbreaks. The study underscored the intricate interplay between viral evolution and host susceptibility, offering valuable insights into the localized factors influencing transmission dynamics between humans and cats across different regions.
 
The findings contribute significantly to our understanding of the complex dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in both human and feline populations. The potential role of cats as sentinels for human infections, particularly in regions with strong correlations, highlights the need for ongoing surveillance efforts. As the world grapples with the evolving landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies like these pave the way for informed public health strategies and preventive measures. The continuous exploration of the relationship between human and feline infections remains crucial for a comprehensive and effective response to the ongoing challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
 
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Animals.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/5/761
 
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