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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.11.18.517046

Rising SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Patterns of Cross-Variant Antibody Neutralization in UK Domestic Cats

Tyson, G. B.·Jones, S.·Logan, N.·McDonald, M.·Murcia, P. R.·Willett, B. J.·Weir, W.·Hosie, M. J.
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Abstract

Recent evidence confirming cat-to-human SARS-CoV-2 transmission has highlighted the importance of monitoring infection in domestic cats. Although the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on feline health are poorly characterized, cats have close contact with humans, and with both domesticated and wild animals. Accordingly, they could act as a reservoir of infection, an intermediate host and a source of novel variants. To investigate the spread of the virus in the cat population, serum samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by ELISA and a pseudotype-based virus neutralization assay, designed to detect exposure to variants known to be circulating in the human population. Overall seroprevalence was 3.2%, peaking at 5.3% in autumn 2021. Variant-specific neutralizing antibody responses were detected with titers waning over time. The variant-specific response in the feline population correlated with and trailed the variants circulating in the human population, indicating multiple ongoing human-to-cat spill-over events.

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Tyson, G. B., Jones, S., Logan, N., McDonald, M., Murcia, P. R., Willett, B. J., Weir, W., Hosie, M. J.. 2022-11-18. Rising SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Patterns of Cross-Variant Antibody Neutralization in UK Domestic Cats. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.18.517046

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