Human-to-dog transmission of SARS-CoV-2, Colombia

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved to have a wide range of hosts, including non-human primates, wild and domestic animals. The ACE2 protein has a high level of conservation and is the common receptor invertebrate species for a viral infection to occur; this receptor could give rise to anthroponotic events. This article describes the first event of symptomatic transmission in Latin America from a human to a dog by the B.1.625 lineage of SARS-CoV-2. We found 21 shared mutations in the complete genomes of viral sequences from owners and dogs. Further phylogenetic and molecular analysis showed that 100% co-localization of the clade helps to understand human-animal transmission. Prediction of the Spike protein structure of the sequenced virus and docking analyzes showed that the E484K mutation in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) could contribute to the viral affinity of dACE2. Therefore, close contact between SARS-CoV-2-infected humans and pets should be avoided to prevent the emergence of novel mutations of public health importance from anthroponotic events.

Figure 1

Timeline of symptom diagnosis, molecular testing, and follow-up.

Figure 2

(A) Phylogenetic trees of sequences available in GISAID from minks, lions, tigers, cats, and dogs, U117 is highlighted in red. (B) Phylogenetic tree comprising Colombian sequences, VOC, and lineages of interest are annotated within the tree; U117 and human index case U118 are highlighted in red.

Figure 3

Predicted structure models of B.1.625 SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein domains (a–c) N-terminal Domain, Receptor Binding Domain, and S1/S2 with mutations highlighted in yellow.

Figure 4

Electrostatic potential map of wtRBD-dACE2 and B.1.625 RBD-dACE2.

Figure 5

B.1.625 SARS-CoV-2-dACE2 interface residues. Mutation E484K is presented in red; residues 417 and 501 of importance in transmissibility enhancement are highlighted in orange.