From Deer-to-Deer: SARS-CoV-2 is efficiently transmitted and presents broad tissue tropism and replication sites in white-tailed deer

Review Virology

Evidence of central nervous system infection and neuroinvasive routes, as well as neurological involvement, in the lethality of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Jia-Mei Liu et al.

Summary: This review provides strong evidence for SARS-CoV-2 infection of the central nervous system, shedding light on the neurological mechanism underlying the lethality of the infection.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2021)

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Article Neurosciences

Olfactory transmucosal SARS-CoV-2 invasion as a port of central nervous system entry in individuals with COVID-19

Jenny Meinhardt et al.

Summary: The study demonstrates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the nasopharynx and brain, suggesting the virus may enter the CNS through the olfactory mucosa. The virus utilizes the neural-mucosal interface in the olfactory mucosa to penetrate the nervous system, affecting various neuroanatomical areas, including the primary respiratory and cardiovascular control center.

NATURE NEUROSCIENCE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 evolution in animals suggests mechanisms for rapid variant selection

Laura Bashor et al.

Summary: Research has shown that SARS-CoV-2 rapidly mutates in animal hosts and poses a potential risk of spillback to humans. The quick evolution and adaptability of the virus in experimental animal models highlight the importance of understanding viral host switching.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 spike D614G change enhances replication and transmission

Bin Zhou et al.

Summary: Research has shown that the D614G substitution in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 leads to increased binding and replication potential in humans, as well as significantly higher replication and transmissibility in different animal models, providing an explanation for the global prevalence of this variant in the COVID-19 pandemic.

NATURE (2021)

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Article Microbiology

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats imposes a narrow bottleneck

Katarina M. Braun et al.

Summary: The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in mammalian hosts is influenced by genetic variation and selection mechanisms. Using domestic cats as a model, it was found that within-host genetic variation is mainly driven by genetic drift and purifying selection, with transmission involving a narrow bottleneck. A notable variant in Spike (H655Y) was identified, showing rapid emergence and transmission, possibly under positive selection, underscoring the importance of continued genomic surveillance for emerging adaptations.

PLOS PATHOGENS (2021)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

SARS-CoV-2 infection of the oral cavity and saliva

Ni Huang et al.

Summary: The study highlights the potential role of the oral cavity in COVID-19 pathogenesis, with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission via saliva. Viral shedding dynamics in saliva correlated with symptoms, and asymptomatic individuals were found to harbor sustained salivary antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 post-recovery.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Microbiology

SARS-CoV-2 infection, neuropathogenesis and transmission among deer mice: Implications for spillback to New World rodents

Anna Fagre et al.

Summary: The study found that deer mice are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and the virus can persist for a long time in their bodies, with efficient transmission to other deer mice. This suggests the potential for sustained transmission in natural populations of deer mice.

PLOS PATHOGENS (2021)

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Article Virology

Clinical evaluation of a multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in individual and pooled upper respiratory tract samples

Melissa Laverack et al.

Summary: The study aimed to identify and validate a sensitive, high-throughput, cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR assay for university surveillance. The newly developed EZ-SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay showed good clinical performance and is suitable for high-throughput surveillance testing programs.

ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY (2021)

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Article Virology

Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Cat with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Francisco R. Carvallo et al.

Summary: COVID-19 has caused millions of human deaths worldwide since its emergence in China in December 2019. This study presents a case of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in a domestic cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, emphasizing the potential impact of comorbidities on the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals and providing important information for the development of a feline model to replicate severe COVID-19 clinical outcomes in humans.

VIRUSES-BASEL (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on mink farms between humans and mink and back to humans

Bas B. Oude Munnink et al.

Summary: Animal experiments have shown that various animals can be infected by SARS-CoV-2, with evidence of animal-to-human transmission within mink farms. Investigation into mink farm outbreaks revealed that the virus was initially introduced by humans and has since evolved, causing transmission between mink farms. Despite enhanced biosecurity measures and culling, transmission occurred between farms in three large clusters with unknown modes of transmission, resulting in a high percentage of infections among mink farm residents and employees.

SCIENCE (2021)

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Review Microbiology

Coronavirus biology and replication: implications for SARS-CoV-2

Philip V'kovski et al.

Summary: This review discusses key aspects of coronavirus biology and their implications for SARS-CoV-2 infections, treatment, and prevention strategies. Understanding virus-host interactions at the molecular level is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. Summarizing the discoveries of SARS-CoV-2 infection and comparing it with other coronaviruses will support future preparedness and combat strategies.

NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences