Scientists from the University of Tennessee (USA) have found antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 in cat blood samples, the biorxiv website reports.
It clarifies that the samples were taken long before the start of the coronavirus pandemic from various regions of the United States. “To our surprise, 70 percent of the serum samples taken from cats at the University of Tennessee before the pandemic tested positive for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain and its related SARS-CoV (SARS pathogen ed.)” – quoted by “Lenta.ru” the statement of scientists.
According to the researchers, this is due to the fact that cats were in contact with a virus, the spike protein of which is so similar to a similar protein of the causative agent of coronavirus infection. According to them, this causes the body to release cross-reactive antibodies against it. Scientists explained that these are antibodies that are produced after contact with one pathogen, but at the same time are able to protect against other, similar pathogens.
According to preliminary data, cross-reactive antibodies to COVID-19 could appear after the collision of the immune system of cats with the SARS-CoV virus, which caused an outbreak of SARS in Asia in the early 2000s. However, it was last identified back in July 2003.
Experts warn that a potentially dangerous virus is already circulating in the American cat population.
Source: Rosbalt
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