Molecular and Serological Studies on Potential SARS-CoV-2 Infection among 43 Lemurs under Human Care—Evidence for Past Infection in at Least One Individual

Musoles-Cuenca, Beatriz ; Aguiló-Gisbert, Jordi ; Lorenzo-Bermejo, Teresa ; Canales, Rocío ; Ballester, Beatriz ; Romani-Cremaschi, Umberto ; Martínez-Valverde, Rosa ; Maiques, Elisa ; Marteles, Diana (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Rueda, Pablo ; Rubio, Vicente ; Villanueva-Saz, Sergio (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Rubio-Guerri, Consuelo

Resumen: In the setting of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to animals has been reported in both domestic and wild animals and is a matter of concern. Given the genetic and functional similarities to humans, non-human primates merit particular attention. In the case of lemurs, generally considered endangered, they are believed to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have conducted a study for evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the 43 lemurs of Mundomar, a zoological park in Benidorm, Spain. They belong to two endangered lemur species, 23 black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) and 20 ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). Health assessments conducted in 2022 and 2023 included molecular analyses for SARS-CoV-2 RNA of oral and rectal swabs using two different RT-qPCR assays, always with negative results for SARS-CoV-2 in all animals. The assessment also included serological testing for antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2, which again yielded negative results in all animals except one black-and-white ruffed lemur, supporting prior infection of that animal with SARS-CoV-2. Our data, while not indicating a high susceptibility of lemurs to SARS-CoV-2 infection, show that they can be infected, adding to the existing information body on potential ways for SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading in zoos, highlighting the need for animal surveillance for the virus.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/ani14010140

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Animals 14, 1 (2024), 140 [13 pp.]
ISSN: 2076-2615

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/PID2020-120322RB-C21

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Medicina y Cirugía Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)