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. 2023 Apr;51(2):455-458.
doi: 10.1007/s15010-022-01860-5. Epub 2022 Jun 15.

The role of pets in SARS-CoV-2 transmission: an exploratory analysis

Ana Izabel Passarella Teixeira #  1 , Raíssa Nogueira de Brito #  2   3 , Carolina Carvalho Gontijo #  2   4   5 , Gustavo Adolfo Sierra Romero  2   6 , Walter Massa Ramalho  2   7 , Rodrigo Haddad  2   8   7 , Elza Ferreira Noronha  2   8 , Wildo Navegantes de Araújo  2   6   7
Affiliations

The role of pets in SARS-CoV-2 transmission: an exploratory analysis

Ana Izabel Passarella Teixeira et al. Infection. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose: There is evidence that humans can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to cats and dogs. However, there is no evidence that they can transmit it back to humans or play any role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Here, we present an exploratory analysis on that matter.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study with participants with flu-like symptoms seeking care at a primary healthcare unit to be tested for COVID-19. They were asked if they owned pet cats and/or dogs in their residences, and this variable was evaluated as exposure.

Results: The odds ratio of "having dogs and/or cats in the residence" was 1.29 (95% CI 1.08-1.54) of "having only dogs and no cats" was 1.26 (1.05-1.52), and "no dogs and only cats" was 1.29 (0.95-1.75).

Conclusion: Having a cat/dog in the house can affect the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cat; Dog; Pet; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

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