The role of pets in SARS-CoV-2 transmission: an exploratory analysis

Purpose There is evidence that humans can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to cats and dogs. However, there is no evidence that they can transmit it back to humans or play any role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Here, we present an exploratory analysis on that matter. Methods We conducted a case–control study with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Infection 2023-04, Vol.51 (2), p.455-458
Main Authors: Teixeira, Ana Izabel Passarella, de Brito, Raíssa Nogueira, Gontijo, Carolina Carvalho, Romero, Gustavo Adolfo Sierra, Ramalho, Walter Massa, Haddad, Rodrigo, Noronha, Elza Ferreira, de Araújo, Wildo Navegantes
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Brief Report
Case-Control Studies
Cat Diseases - epidemiology
Cats
Confidence intervals
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Disease transmission
Dogs
Education
Family Medicine
General Practice
Genes
Health care
Health risks
Humans
Infections
Infectious Diseases
Internal Medicine
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Pets
SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Viral diseases
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Summary:Purpose There is evidence that humans can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to cats and dogs. However, there is no evidence that they can transmit it back to humans or play any role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Here, we present an exploratory analysis on that matter. Methods We conducted a case–control study with participants with flu-like symptoms seeking care at a primary healthcare unit to be tested for COVID-19. They were asked if they owned pet cats and/or dogs in their residences, and this variable was evaluated as exposure. Results The odds ratio of “having dogs and/or cats in the residence” was 1.29 (95% CI 1.08–1.54) of “having only dogs and no cats” was 1.26 (1.05–1.52), and “no dogs and only cats” was 1.29 (0.95–1.75). Conclusion Having a cat/dog in the house can affect the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2.
ISSN:0300-8126
1439-0973
DOI:10.1007/s15010-022-01860-5