Reverse zoonosis - SARS-COV-2 transmission from humans to animals

Abstract

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is the subject of debate and research, but it is clearly a zoonotic pathogen. SARS-CoV-2 most likely originated from viruses that infect bats, and acquired its ability to infect humans in a still unknown intermediate organism. The virus is responsible for a zoonosis called COVID-19, and as of December 2019, the virus is spreading between humans, causing a pandemic. Reports indicate that so-called reverse zoonosis may occur: that is, transmission of the virus from infected humans to animals. The presence of the genetic material of the virus or the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies has been detected in wild, farm and domestic animals. The source of infection was undoubtedly humans-infected workers, breeders, or owners. Transmission of the virus is associated with the presence of the mammalian conserved protein ACE2, which is the receptor recognized by the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The interaction between ACE2 and S is essential for infection of the target cell and initiation of the virus replication cycle. In the future, reverse zoonosis may cause problems in pandemic control: human-infected animals may represent new reservoir of coronavirus reintroduction.