Scientists from the University of Tennessee discovered in the samples of blood cats antibodies to the SARS-COV-2-binding domain receptor. The results of the study are published on the website Biorxiv.
It is noted that the samples were taken long before the start of the pandemic of coronavirus infection from various regions of the United States. “To our surprise, 70 percent of blood serum samples taken from cats at the University of Tennessee before the start of the pandemic, turned out to be positive on antibodies against the SARS-COV-2-binding domain receptor and the SARS-COV related to it (causative agent atypical pneumonia – approx.” Ribbons .RU “)” – Scientists said.
Researchers believe that it is explained by the fact that cats were in contact with the virus, whose spacing protein is so similar to a similar protein of the causative agent of coronavirus infection. According to them, it causes the allocation of cross-jet antibodies in the body against it. They explained that these are antibodies that are produced after contact with one causative agent of infection, but at the same time they can protect both other, similar pathogens.
According to preliminary data, cross-reactive antibodies to COVID-19 could appear after the collision of the immune system of cats with the SARS-COV virus, which in the early 2000s caused an outbreak of atypical pneumonia in Asia. However, for the last time he was revealed back in July 2003.
Experts believe that a potentially dangerous virus circulates in the population of American cats right now.
Previously, British scientists revealed in some domestic cats and dogs inflammatory heart disease, which is called myocarditis. It was discovered after the pets fell ill with COVID-19. It is noted that the animals were in depressive condition, were sluggish, and they also had no appetite.