Persistence of viral RNA in North American elk experimentally infected with an ancestral strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Abstract
White-tailed
deer
(Odocoileus
virginianus )
have
emerged
as
a
potential
reservoir
host
for
SARS-CoV-2
given
their
susceptibility
to
infection
and
demonstrated
high
rates
of
seroprevalence
across
the
United
States.
As
circulates
within
free-ranging
white-tailed
populations,
there
is
risk
transmission
other
wildlife
species
even
back
human
population.
The
goal
this
study
was
determine
susceptibility,
shedding,
immune
response
North
American
elk
(Cervus
elaphus
canadensis )
experimental
with
SARS-CoV-2,
if
another
wide-ranging
cervid
could
potentially
serve
virus.
Here
we
demonstrate
that
while
do
not
develop
clinical
signs
disease,
they
neutralizing
antibody
infection,
suggesting
virus
capable
replicating
in
mammalian
host.
Additionally,
RNA
presence
medial
retropharyngeal
lymph
nodes
infected
three
weeks
after
infection.
Consistent
previous
observations
humans,
these
data
may
highlight
mechanism
viral
persistence
elk.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: March 15, 2024
Language: Английский