Domestic Cats Research Articles

First Seroprevalence Study of Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Infections Among Cats in Algiers (Algeria) and Associated Risk Factors

Feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus infections are two widespread diseases that affect the health of domestic cats all over the world. In Algeria, despite the existence of a large population of cats, there are no published data regarding the epidemiological status of feline retroviruses. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of FIV and FeLV infections in cats in Algiers and to assess the main factors associated with the infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 71 cats were sampled from several private veterinary clinics, and their obtained sera were tested using an immunochromatography analysis (SNAP Duo FIV/FeLV Test; Virbac Laboratories, France). The seroprevalence was about 32.39% and 22.53% for FIV and FeLV, respectively. Overall, 11.26% were positive for both infections. The present study showed that FIV seropositivity was associated with a younger age and health status (p < 0.05), while FeLV seropositivity was associated with the sex, reproductive status, housing, age, and health status of the cats. This preliminary study, which utilized rapid tests, provides important initial data revealing a relatively high prevalence of retroviruses in cats in Algeria. The results underscore the urgent need for implementing both preventive and management measures to control the spread of these retrovirus diseases. However, to enhance the reliability of future findings, it is essential to expand the sample size and incorporate reference diagnostic methods.

CISTITE IDIOPÁTICA FELINA: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a disease that mainly affects domestic cats, and can be very frequent, associated with frequency and pain. It is a very complex condition because its specific cause is not known. Its diagnosis is made through exclusion, that is, by ruling out other possible causes of lower urinary tract inflammation. In most cases, dietary changes, environmental enrichment and stress control are used, in an attempt to promote the well-being of those affected and improve the quality of life. It is essential that there is the right choice for treatment, as a mistake can lead to the individual's death, and several types of drug intervention to control pain and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve patients' suffering are viable. Therefore, the present study addresses the main aspects of the ICF, such as the pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnoses, and treatment, exploring different perspectives highlighted in the literature.

Elucidating genetic variability between randomly bred domestic cats and Persian domestic cats from different geographical locations using microsatellite markers.

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is a newly evolved species in the family Felidae that has developed some great features among mammals. It is critical to conserve these species and prevent inbreeding from reducing their genetic diversity by understanding their genetic relationships and applying the information to breeding management. The diverse population was an excellent choice for studying genetic diversity and inbreeding phenomena. To conduct this research, 128 individuals from 8 populations, including Azerbaijan, Persian, Ahar, Uermia, Tehran, Karaj, Turkish and Shop cat (both genders), were randomly selected from different geographical regions. We selected eight STR markers with different chromosomal locations based on polymorphism and observed allele numbers in the next step. DNA extraction was performed using tail hair root, PCR and electrophoresis, and gel staining was performed according to routine laboratory protocol. For statistical analysis, CONVERT versions POPGENE, ARLEQUIN GenAlEx and R script analysis. Remarkably, our results showed that 23 alleles were identified in 128 samples. The highest number of alleles belonged to the FCa096 locus (eight alleles) in the Persian population, followed by FCa045 (seven alleles) in the Persian and Ahar populations. Another new finding is that the lowest number of alleles belonged to the 35 and FCa77 locus (two alleles). In addition, pairwise differentiation between and within populations was examined using the genetic distance index. Overall, the results showed that the degree of differentiation within the population is high in the Turkish population compared to other population groups and lower in the Azerbaijan population. In addition, principal component discriminant analysis-based analysis based on the ADAGENET package shows the distribution of samples by geographical location. The results show that genetic mixing between populations is high. On this basis, we conclude that randomly bred domestic cats have a higher level of diversity than Persian domestic cats. This is an interesting topic for future work.

Prevalence of inhaled allergen sensitization among patients with suspected allergic diseases in Sichuan province: 3-year data from a single center

Allergic diseases are becoming increasingly common, and they are a threat to people’s health. Exploring the distribution characteristics of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in people from Sichuan province, southwest China, can provide clinical epidemiological data. This study enrolled 12,204 consecutive patients with suspected allergies from May 2018 to May 2021. Among the patients, 4206 were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis or asthma. The Rayto Lumiray 1600 detection system and sIgE and total IgE (tIgE) detection kits were used to measure the levels of nine common sIgE and tIgE. sIgE ≥ 0.35 IU/mL was considered positive. The sensitization rate of D1 (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) is the highest (22.97%), followed by D2 (Dermatophagoides farinae) (23.33%); M3 (Aspergillus fumigatus) has the lowest positive rate (1.5%). E5 (Canis familiaris) and I6 (Blatella germanica) exhibited relatively high sensitization rates (8.64% and 12.35%, respectively). Allergen sensitization was significantly higher in men than in women. Moreover, 90.3% of sensitization samples from D1 were combined with at least one of the other eight allergens. Similarly, a positive correlation was demonstrated between D1, D2, and E1 (Felis domesticus). In addition, patients with allergic rhinitis (91.88% and 91.54%, respectively), allergic asthma (72.44% and 74.01%, respectively), and allergic rhinitis with asthma (92.12% and 93.22%, respectively) were mainly sensitized to D1 and D2. D1, D2, I6, and E5 are the main allergens. Moreover, D1 and D2 are the main allergens in patients with respiratory allergic diseases. Research focusing on the distribution of allergens and the characteristics of hypersensitivity in different people helps prevent, diagnose, and treat allergic diseases.

Restricted Feeding Of Weight Control Diets Induces Weight Loss And Affects Body Composition, Voluntary Physical Activity, Blood Metabolites, Hormones, And Oxidative Stress Markers, And Fecal Metabolites And Microbiota Of Obese Cats.

Feline obesity puts many cats at risk for comorbidities such as hepatic lipidosis, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract diseases, and others. Restricted feeding of specially formulated diets may improve feline health and safely support weight loss while maintaining lean mass. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of restricted intake of weight control diets on weight loss, body composition, voluntary physical activity, serum metabolic and inflammatory markers, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of obese cats. Twenty-four obese adult domestic shorthair cats [body weight (BW) = 5.51 ± 0.92kg; body condition score (BCS) = 8.44 ± 0.53] were used. A leading grocery brand diet was fed during a 4-wk baseline to identify intake needed to maintain BW. After baseline (wk 0), cats were allotted to one of two weight control diets (DRY or CAN) and fed to lose 1.5% BW per wk for 18wk. At baseline and 6, 12, 18wk after weight loss, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed, blood and fecal samples were collected, and voluntary physical activity was measured. Change from baseline data were analyzed statistically using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P<0.05 being significant and P<0.10 being trends. BW was reduced by 1.54 ± 0.51% per wk. Restricted feeding of both diets led to BW (P<0.01) and fat mass loss (P<0.01), reduced BCS (P<0.01), reduced leptin (P<0.01) and insulin (P<0.01) concentrations, and increased superoxide dismutase (P<0.01) and active ghrelin (P<0.01) concentrations. Change from baseline fecal scores were reduced (P<0.01) with restricted feeding and weight loss, while total short-chain fatty acid, acetate, and propionate concentration reductions were greater (P<0.05) in cats fed CAN than those fed DRY. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity measures increased (P<0.01) with restricted feeding and weight loss. Fecal bacterial beta diversity was altered by time in all cats, with wk 0 being different (P<0.05) than wk 6, 12, and 18. Change from baseline relative abundances of 3 fecal bacterial phyla and over 30 fecal bacterial genera were impacted (P<0.05) or tended to be impacted (P<0.10) by dietary treatment. Our data demonstrate that restricted feeding of both weight control diets was an effective means for weight loss in obese adult domestic cats. Some changes were also impacted by diet, highlighting the importance of diet formulation and format, and nutrient composition in weight control diets.

Effect of Different Semen Extenders on Cat Epididymal Semen Cryopreservation

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is a biotechnology used for fertilization purposes and preservation of genetic material in various domestic species. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of two different commercial semen diluents in the cryopreservation of epididymal semen of domestic cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male cats aged between 1 - 3 years and weighing 2.5 - 4.5 kg were used in the study. The testicular tissues removed from the cats were immediately brought to the laboratory in physiological saline and the epididymal parts were trimmed in commercial semen extenders (INRA 96, Group I; OPTIXCELL, Group II). Diluted semen samples were cooled to 4°C and filled into 0.25 mL straws. Semen samples were frozen in a programmable semen freezing device and then placed in a liquid nitrogen container at -196 C. Semen samples were thawed at 38°C for 25 s. Thawed semen samples were evaluated in terms of motility and kinematic parameters using CASA. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the groups in terms of total motility, progressive motility, and velocity parameters at 4 °C. The rate of spermatozoa at slow speeds was found to be lower in group II. In addition, after freezing and thawing process, no statistical difference was observed between the groups in terms of motility, kinematics, and velocity parameters. CONCLUSION: Both commercial semen extenders can be used for cryopreservation of cat epididymal semen.

Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasma Species of Apparently Healthy Domestic Cats in Konya Province of Türkiye

Feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease in domestic cats caused by a group of hemotropic Mycoplasma species, including three main species: Mycoplasma hemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma hemominutum (CMhm), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). The primary objective of this investigation was to ascertain the molecular prevalence and characterization of hemotropic mycoplasmas in domestic cats from twenty-three districts of Konya province in Türkiye. For this purpose, 384 apparently healthy cats belonging to different breeds were enrolled in this study. The molecular prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. in cats was 9.4%, and the identified species included Mhf, Mycoplasma hemocanis (Mhc), CMt, and CMhm. The molecular prevalence was not significantly associated with district, breed, or gender (p &gt; 0.05) but was significantly associated with age and ownership status (p &lt; 0.05). The study found that all cats with Mycoplasma spp. were older than one year and that the infection had a higher prevalence in stray cats than in owned cats (p &lt; 0.05). Although there are studies conducted in different provinces, data on the molecular and phylogenetic characterization of the species causing feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis are scarce in Türkiye. This study, which provides updated data concerning the molecular characterization and phylogeny of hemotropic Mycoplasma species of cats in Türkiye, revealed the Mycoplasma spp. molecular prevalence in Konya province for the first time and provided remarkable findings that will fill the scientific gap in the country. The molecular characterization of these hemotropic mycoplasmas is crucial for understanding their epidemiology and developing effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis. It is anticipated that the data from the study will raise awareness among pet owners, veterinarians, and healthcare professionals of feline hemotropic Mycoplasma agents with zoonotic potential.

Amyloid-Beta, Tau, and Microglial Activation in Aged Felid Brains.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its associated pathology have been primarily identified in humans, who have relatively large brains and long lifespans. To expand what is known about aging and neurodegeneration across mammalian species, we characterized amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau lesions in five species of aged felids (n = 9; cheetah, clouded leopard, African lion, serval, Siberian tiger). We performed immunohistochemistry to detect Aβ40 and Aβ42 in plaques and vessels and hyperphosphorylated tau in the temporal lobe gyrus sylvius and in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus. We also quantified the densities and morphological types of microglia expressing IBA1. We found that diffuse Aβ42 plaques, but not dense-core plaques, were present more frequentlyin the temporal cortex and tended to be more common thanAβ40 plaques across species. Conversely, vascular Aβ was labeled more consistently with Aβ40 for each species on average. Although all individuals showed some degree of Aβ40 and/or Aβ42 immunoreactivity, only the cheetahs and clouded leopards exhibited intraneuronal hyperphosphorylated tau (i.e., pretangles), which was more common in the hippocampus. Reactive, intermediate microglia were significantly associated with total Aβ40 vessel area and pretangle load in the hippocampus. This study demonstrates the co-occurrence of Aβ and tau pathology in two felid species, cheetahs and clouded leopards. Overall, these results provide an initial view of the manifestation of Aβ and tau pathology in aged, large-brained felids, which can be compared with markers of neurodegeneration across different taxa, including domestic cats, nonhuman primates, and humans.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation in a cat.

Congenital structural anomalies of the lower airways of the respiratory tract are uncommon in cats. We describe here a case of cystic pulmonary lesions in a 6-wk-old domestic shorthair cat consistent with congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM; formerly referred to as cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung, or congenital pulmonary adenomatoid malformation; Stocker type II). CPAM is rarely reported in veterinary species and, to our knowledge, has not been reported in cats. In humans and veterinary species, individuals with CPAM (Stocker types I-IV) can be asymptomatic at birth but are predisposed to developing respiratory abnormalities that typically manifest clinically in the early years of life. We review the pathologic features of CPAM.

Gross morphological and ultrasonographic dimensions of normal feline kidney with reference to resistive index

Ultrasonography with color Doppler is the most quantitative analysis method for intra-renal parameters. There is a wide variation between authors in the measurement site and referencing the inter-lobar resistivity index (RI) in felines. Our objective is to morphometrically and ultrasonographically investigate the normal renal dimensions and vasculatures and draw up a normal reference value for the renal inter-lobar artery resistivity index (RI) using a Pulsed wave-Doppler ultrasonography. A total of twelve adult domestic cats were sedated and treated according to IACUC regulation guidelines to be examined using Doppler ultrasound. The same cats were used for morphometric investigation and divided into three groups regarding the used technique. The size difference between the right and left kidneys is slight, measuring 17 g (weight), 3.65 ± 0.06 cm (length), 2.54 ± 0.08 cm (width), and 2.21 ± 0.03 cm (thickness) for the right kidney, and about 15 g, 3.42 ± 0.06 cm, 2.32 ± 0.05 cm, and 2.13 ± 0.03 cm for the left one, respectively. There are three patterns of renal arteries’ point of origin. The mean RI values of both kidneys were 0.57 ± 0.08 (0.50–0.67) in the right kidney and 0.60 ± 0.08 (0.51–0.69) in the left kidney. The gross examination and ultrasonography measurements did not have a statistically different effect on the actual renal dimensions. Moreover, 0.69 is considered the standard resistivity index (RI) threshold of the feline inter-lobar artery with no correlation to the animal’s body weight.

Molecular epidemiology and risk analysis for asymptomatic infection with feline enteric coronavirus in domestic and stray cats in Japan.

Feline enteric coronavirus (FECoV) causes subclinical infection; therefore, asymptomatic cats can act as transmitters of FECoV. However, there have been few studies on the prevalence of FECoV in asymptomatic cats in Japan. In this study, we used a nested RT-PCR assay targeting the S gene of FECoV to test 319 normal fecal samples from stray cats and domestic cats in Japan between 2019 and 2020. Seventy-five samples tested positive, and the presence of FECoV in domestic cats was significantly associated with age (p<0.01), but not with gender, breed, or living in a multi-cat household. The results provide insights into the current prevalence of FECoV in asymptomatic cats in Japan.

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumour in the orbit of a domestic shorthair cat (Felis catus)

AbstractA 13‐year‐old, domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of left‐sided exophthalmos, epiphora and third eyelid elevation of approximately 4‐month duration. Based on ophthalmic exam findings, a retrobulbar mass was suspected. Computed tomography of the head revealed a fluid to soft‐tissue, non‐contrast‐enhancing mass caudoventral to the left globe. Based on these findings, a retrobulbar abscess was considered the most likely differential, while a neoplastic mass could not be completely excluded. The mass and left globe were surgically excised via a modified lateral orbitotomy and exenteration. Histopathology and special staining of the mass was consistent with an orbital primitive neuroectodermal tumour, while the globe was unremarkable.

Whiskers in the city: domestic cat predation in Ecuadorian coastal cities and associated factors

Whiskers in the city: domestic cat predation in Ecuadorian coastal cities and associated factors

Urethral obstruction due to pseudomembranous cystitis in a domestic shorthair cat

AbstractA 2‐year‐old, male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat presented with acute onset lethargy, anorexia, stranguria, dysuria without micturition. Routine blood tests demonstrated hyperkalaemia, azotaemia and metabolic acidosis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a bi‐compartmentalised urinary bladder, with intravesical mineralised septa. The patient was diagnosed with urethral obstruction secondary to pseudomembranous cystitis. Following initial medical management, an exploratory celiotomy and cystotomy were performed, which revealed a complete fluid‐filled intravesical pseudomembranous sac, which extended via a long thin pedicle into the proximal urethra. The pseudomembranous sac was excised. Cystotomy and abdominal wound closure were routine. Post‐operative stranguria resolved with medical management within 9 days. Bacterial culture of the urinary bladder wall demonstrated no growth. Histopathology confirmed a pseudomembrane, which was composed predominantly of eosinophilic proteinaceous material and extravasated erythrocytes, with some neutrophils and cellular debris. Four months post‐operatively, no recurrence of the clinical signs has been reported.

The effect of concurrent clopidogrel and omeprazole administration on clopidogrel metabolism and platelet function in healthy cats.

Some studies in humans show that the concurrent use of clopidogrel and omeprazole decreases plasma clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) concentrations and clopidogrel antiplatelet effects. Whether this drug interaction occurs in cats is unknown. We hypothesized that administration of clopidogrel with omeprazole would decrease plasma CAM concentrations and decrease clopidogrel antiplatelet effects in healthy cats. Ten domestic cats. In this 2-sequence, 2-period, 2-treatment randomized crossover study, healthy cats were randomly assigned to receive clopidogrel only (18.75 mg PO q24h) or clopidogrel with omeprazole (1 mg/kg PO q12h) for 10 days, followed by a 2-week washout period, and then the opposite treatment for another 10 days. Blood was collected by jugular venipuncture on days 0, 5, and 10. Plasma CAM concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Platelet function was evaluated using Plateletworks, Multiplate Analyzer, and Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (PFA-100). Multiplate Analyzer and PFA-100 detected no difference in platelet function between days or treatment groups. Plateletworks detected a significant difference (P < .001) in platelet function from day 0 to 5 and day 0 to 10 in both treatment groups but no difference between treatment groups. Plasma CAM concentrations were significantly lower on day 10 (P < .02) in cats receiving both medications versus clopidogrel only. Concurrent omeprazole and clopidogrel administration was associated with altered pharmacokinetics on day 10, but no difference in pharmacodynamics between the 2 treatment groups. The short-term use of clopidogrel and omeprazole does not seem to alter platelet function significantly.

Ethogram of the Domestic Cat

The existing domestic cat literature predominantly contains lists detailing its behaviour. However, these lists are neither specific enough for domestic cats nor general enough for all behaviours on a macro level of the domestic cat. Furthermore, the majority of studies lack illustrations. Therefore, we have developed a comprehensive ethogram of the domestic cat and scalable schematic representations of the behaviour units. We evaluated observational data from free-roaming cats and cats from private households using ad libitum and focal animal sampling (video material 55.31 h, n = 170 animals). In addition, we used the leading literature and detailed anatomical studies to create systematic categories and morphologically correct drawings. A total of 117 discrete behaviours were recorded and divided into 12 categories. The description of each behaviour includes a name, a word definition, an ethological classification and a schematic illustration (excluding the category devoted to vocalisations). An ethogram is needed to better understand the behavioural repertoire of healthy domestic cats and to facilitate the design phase of further investigations. This document can help to better distinguish species-appropriate behaviours and body postures from those behaviours and poses that indicate chronic pain, stress or discomfort.

Somatic GNAQ, CTNNB1, and CACNA1C Mutations in Cat Aldosterone-Secreting Tumors.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of human hypertension. Somatic mutations in KCNJ5, CACNA1D, ATP1A1, and ATP2B3 are found in at least 80% of aldosterone-producing adenomas, which cause unilateral PA in humans. Somatic mutations have been identified infrequently in 7 other genes; few of these were known to play a role in aldosterone secretion before the discovery of their mutations. Interrogating somatic mutations in the domestic cat, in which spontaneous PA is also known to occur, might improve the understanding of normal adrenal gland physiology and the pathophysiology of PA. DNA and RNA extracted from tissue from 13 cats with unilateral aldosterone-secreting tumors, including 8 carcinomas and 5 adenomas, underwent whole genome sequencing, targeted Sanger sequencing, and RNA sequencing. Single-nucleotide substitution variants were filtered to select those with a predicted deleterious effect on protein function and a suspected role in aldosterone secretion. Probable functional somatic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (n=8) were found in 3 adenomas and 2 carcinomas. Mutations with predicted significant effects were identified in 2 genes also mutated in human PA; GNAQ and CTNNB1, and in a residue of CACNA1C analogous to a common CACNA1D mutation. In contrast to humans, CACNA1C expression was much greater than CACNA1D in both feline tumor and nontumor adrenal tissue. No mutations were identified in KCNJ5, CACNA1D, ATP1A1, or ATP2B3. Similar mutations were identified in cats to those found in humans. It is, therefore, likely that both species have shared underlying selection pressures for mutations that increase aldosterone secretion.

Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora in an immunosuppressed cat.

A 3-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat with a history of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone, was presented for acute lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple predominantly avascular hypo-anechoic nodules in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and peritoneum. Fine needle aspirates and culture of the liver and kidney revealed abscessation caused by Cladophialophora. This case adds to the currently limited literature documenting ultrasonographic features of systemic infection caused by pigmented fungi in cats.

Fecal bile acid dysmetabolism and reduced ursodeoxycholic acid correlate with novel microbial signatures in feline chronic kidney disease.

Microbial-derived secondary bile acids (SBAs) are reabsorbed and sensed via host receptors modulating cellular inflammation and fibrosis. Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs with progressive renal inflammation and fibrosis, mirroring the disease pathophysiology of human CKD patients. Prospective cross-sectional study compared healthy cats (n = 6) with CKD (IRIS Stage 2 n = 17, Stage 3 or 4 n = 11). Single timepoint fecal samples from all cats underwent targeted bile acid metabolomics. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using DADA2 with SILVA taxonomy characterized the fecal microbiota. CKD cats had significantly reduced fecal concentrations (median 12.8 ng/mg, Mann-Whitney p = 0.0127) of the SBA ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) compared to healthy cats (median 39.4 ng/mg). Bile acid dysmetabolism characterized by <50% SBAs was present in 8/28 CKD and 0/6 healthy cats. Beta diversity significantly differed between cats with <50% SBAs and > 50% SBAs (PERMANOVA p < 0.0001). Twenty-six amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) with >97% nucleotide identity to Peptacetobacter hiranonis were identified. P. hiranonis combined relative abundance was significantly reduced (median 2.1%) in CKD cats with <50% SBAs compared to CKD cats with >50% SBAs (median 13.9%, adjusted p = 0.0002) and healthy cats with >50% SBAs (median 15.5%, adjusted p = 0.0112). P. hiranonis combined relative abundance was significantly positively correlated with the SBAs deoxycholic acid (Spearman r = 0.5218, adjusted p = 0.0407) and lithocholic acid (Spearman r = 0.5615, adjusted p = 0.0156). Three Oscillospirales ASVs and a Roseburia ASV were also identified as significantly correlated with fecal SBAs. The gut-kidney axis mediated through microbial-derived SBAs appears relevant to the spontaneous animal CKD model of domestic cats. This includes reduced fecal concentrations of the microbial-derived SBA UDCA, known to regulate inflammation and fibrosis and be reno-protective. Microbes correlated with fecal SBAs include bai operon containing P. hiranonis, as well as members of Oscillospirales, which also harbor a functional bai operon. Ultimately, CKD cats represent a translational opportunity to study the role of SBAs in the gut-kidney axis, including the potential to identify novel microbial-directed therapeutics to mitigate CKD pathogenesis in veterinary patients and humans alike.

Study on sentinel hosts for surveillance of future COVID-19-like outbreaks

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 to animals has the potential to evolve independently. In this study, we distinguished several sentinel animal species and genera for monitoring the re-emergence of COVID-19 or the new outbreak of COVID-19-like disease. We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genomic data from human and nonhuman mammals in the taxonomic hierarchies of species, genus, family and order of their host. We find that SARS-CoV-2 carried by domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), domestic cat (Felis catus), mink (Neovison vison), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) cluster closely to human-origin viruses and show no differences in the majority of amino acids, but have the most positively selected sites and should be monitored to prevent the re-emergence of COVID-19 caused by novel variants of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses from the genera Panthera (especially lion (Panthera leo)), Manis and Rhinolophus differ significantly from human-origin viruses, and long-term surveillance should be undertaken to prevent the future COVID-19-like outbreaks. Investigation of the variation dynamics of sites 142, 501, 655, 681 and 950 within the S protein may be necessary to predict the novel animal SARS-CoV-2 variants.