| Autor: |
Leon AE; U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA., Garelle D; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center, 19180 North East Frontage Road, Carr, CO 80612, USA., Hartwig A; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3107 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA., Falendysz EA; U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA., Ip HS; U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA., Lankton JS; U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA., Tretten TN; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center, 19180 North East Frontage Road, Carr, CO 80612, USA., Spraker TR; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, 2450 Gillette Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA., Bowen R; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3107 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA., Rocke TE; U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA. |
| Abstrakt: |
A preliminary vaccination trial against the emergent pathogen, SARS-CoV-2, was completed in captive black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes; BFF) to assess safety, immunogenicity, and anti-viral efficacy. Vaccination and boosting of 15 BFF with purified SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit protein produced a nearly 150-fold increase in mean antibody titers compared to pre-vaccination titers. Serum antibody responses were highest in young animals, but in all vaccinees, antibody response declined rapidly. Anti-viral activity from vaccinated and unvaccinated BFF was determined in vitro, as well as in vivo with a passive serum transfer study in mice. Transgenic mice that received BFF serum transfers and were subsequently challenged with SARS-CoV-2 had lung viral loads that negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the BFF serum titer received. Lastly, an experimental challenge study in a small group of BFF was completed to test susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Despite viral replication and shedding in the upper respiratory tract for up to 7 days post-challenge, no clinical disease was observed in either vaccinated or naive animals. The lack of morbidity or mortality observed indicates SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely to affect wild BFF populations, but infected captive animals pose a potential risk, albeit low, for humans and other animals. |
