Susceptibility of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) to SARS-CoV-2
Susceptibility of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) to SARS-CoV-2
Abstract The origin of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing the global coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, remains a mystery. Current evidence suggests a likely spillover into humans from an animal reservoir. Understanding the host range and identifying animal species that are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection may help to elucidate the origin of the virus and the mechanisms underlying cross-species transmission to humans. Here we demonstrated that white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), an animal species in which the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) – the SARS-CoV-2 receptor – shares a high degree of similarity to humans, are highly susceptible to infection. Intranasal inoculation of deer fawns with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in established subclinical viral infection and shedding of infectious virus in nasal secretions. Notably, infected animals transmitted the virus to non-inoculated contact deer. Viral RNA was detected in multiple tissues 21 days post-inoculation (pi). All inoculated and indirect contact animals seroconverted and developed neutralizing antibodies as early as day 7 pi. The work provides important insights into the animal host range of SARS-CoV-2 and identifies white-tailed deer as a susceptible wild animal species to the virus. IMPORTANCEGiven the presumed zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, the human-animal-environment interface of COVID-19 pandemic is an area of great scientific and public- and animal-health interest. Identification of animal species that are susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2 may help to elucidate the potential origin of the virus, identify potential reservoirs or intermediate hosts, and define the mechanisms underlying cross-species transmission to humans. Additionally, it may also provide information and help to prevent potential reverse zoonosis that could lead to the establishment of a new wildlife hosts. Our data show that upon intranasal inoculation, white-tailed deer became subclinically infected and shed infectious SARS-CoV-2 in nasal secretions and feces. Importantly, indirect contact animals were infected and shed infectious virus, indicating efficient SARS-CoV-2 transmission from inoculated animals. These findings support the inclusion of wild cervid species in investigations conducted to assess potential reservoirs or sources of SARS-CoV-2 of infection.
Martins Mathias、Buckley Alexandra、Rollins Alicia、Renshaw Rendall W.、Lager Kelly、Diel Diego G.、Palmer Mitchell V.、Cassmann Eric D.、Guarino Cassandra、Mitchell Patrick K.、Wagner Bettina、Zylich Nancy C.、Caserta Leonardo C.、Falkenberg Shollie
Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityVirus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural ResearchDepartment of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityDepartment of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityVirus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural ResearchDepartment of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityInfectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research ServiceVirus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural ResearchDepartment of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityDepartment of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityDepartment of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityDepartment of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityDepartment of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityRuminant Disease and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service
动物学微生物学基础医学
Martins Mathias,Buckley Alexandra,Rollins Alicia,Renshaw Rendall W.,Lager Kelly,Diel Diego G.,Palmer Mitchell V.,Cassmann Eric D.,Guarino Cassandra,Mitchell Patrick K.,Wagner Bettina,Zylich Nancy C.,Caserta Leonardo C.,Falkenberg Shollie.Susceptibility of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) to SARS-CoV-2[EB/OL].(2025-03-28)[2025-05-13].https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.13.426628.点此复制
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