What is it about?
This study investigates how COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads from humans to animals (spillover), potentially mutating and spreading back to humans (spillback). Researchers use genetic analysis to identify animals most likely to be infected by the virus and act as amplifiers, meaning they could help the virus spread further. They focus on a key animal protein called ACE2, which the virus uses to enter cells. By comparing the genetic similarity of animal ACE2 with the viral spike protein, they identify high-risk host species, such as mink, cats, dogs, and tigers.
Featured Image
Photo by CDC on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Viral resurgence can lead to the emergence of new variants that could evade existing vaccines. Identifying high-risk animals can help prevent future outbreaks. This can help governments and researchers prioritize surveillance and testing of wildlife, farms, and pets. This is particularly important because tracking viral transmission between species using traditional laboratory methods is slow and costly. This study offers a faster way to predict risk using genetic data.
Perspectives
This research provides a powerful tool for preventing epidemics: it supports early warning systems for zoonotic diseases (diseases that spread between animals and humans). It encourages enhanced surveillance on farms, in zoos, and in wildlife sanctuaries. It helps guide vaccine development and animal health policies. In the long term, this approach could be applied to other viruses, helping us stay ahead of future epidemics by understanding how diseases spread between species.
Professor Jian-Jun SHU
Nanyang Technological University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Predicting potential SARS-CoV-2 spillover and spillback in animals, Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection, April 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2024.01.002.
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