SARS-CoV-2 Spillback to Wild Coatis in Sylvatic-Urban Hotspot, Brazil

Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Mar;29(3):664-667. doi: 10.3201/eid2903.221339.

Abstract

We tested coatis (Nasua nasua) living in an urban park near a densely populated area of Brazil and found natural SARS-CoV-2 Zeta variant infections by using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, genomic sequencing, and serologic surveillance. We recommend a One Health strategy to improve surveillance of and response to COVID-19.

Keywords: Brazil; COVID-19; SARS; SARS-CoV-2; coatis; coronavirus; coronavirus disease; natural infections; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; spillback; urban parks; viruses; wildlife; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Procyonidae*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants