| Literature DB >> 34662463 |
Sabateeshan Mathavarajah1, Amanda Melin2, Graham Dellaire1,3.
Abstract
In most of our lifetimes, we have not faced a global pandemic such as the novel coronavirus disease 2019. The world has changed as a result. However, it is not only humans who are affected by a pandemic of this scale. Our closest relatives, the non-human primates (NHPs) who encounter researchers, sanctuary/zoo employees, and tourists, are also potentially at risk of contracting the virus from humans due to similar genetic susceptibility. "Anthropozoonosis"-the transmission of diseases from humans to other species-has occurred historically, resulting in infection of NHPs with human pathogens that have led to disastrous outbreaks. Recent studies have assessed the susceptibility of NHPs and predict that catarrhine primates and some lemurs are potentially highly susceptible to infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. There is accumulating evidence that a new factor to consider with the spread of the virus is fecal-oral transmission. The virus has been detected in the watersheds of countries with underdeveloped infrastructure where raw sewage enters the environment directly without processing. This may expose NHPs, and other animals, to SARS-CoV-2 through wastewater contact. Here, we address these concerns and discuss recent evidence. Overall, we suggest that the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via wastewater is low. Nonetheless, tracking of viral RNA in wastewater does provide a unique testing approach to help protect NHPs at zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. A One Health approach going forward is perhaps the best way to protect these animals from a novel virus, the same way that we would protect ourselves.Entities:
Keywords: COVID-19; coronavirus; disease transmission; monkeys; synanthropic primates; zoonosis
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Year: 2021 PMID: 34662463 PMCID: PMC8646409 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23340
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Am J Primatol ISSN: 0275-2565 Impact factor: 3.014
Figure 1A One Health approach through wastewater monitoring is needed to protect NHPs. Catarrhines have been predicted and shown to be susceptible to the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Sanctuaries and zoos have adapted to the COVID‐19 pandemic by implementing measures to restrict contact between the public and captive NHPs. However, a supplement to these measures is the incorporation of wastewater testing at zoos and sanctuaries for early detection of the virus. Different primate groups (captive, wild, and synanthropic) could be affected by the virus; in terms of relative risk: red = high risk and green = low risk. These approaches also prevent the possibility of NHPs becoming viral reservoirs in the event of a spillover, which ultimately then affects the health of our communities. There are also other approaches, which have been outlined, that we can implement to protect these species and monitor them going forward during the pandemic. NHP, non‐human primate