K. Wernike

SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in rats, Berlin, Germany, 2023

The study tested rats in Berlin for coronaviruses and found SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in one rat but no evidence of circulation, while detecting rodent-associated alphacoronaviruses.

Emergence of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in western Germany, October 2023, and ad-hoc monitoring in Culicoides biting midges

Bluetongue virus serotype 3 was detected in Culicoides biting midges in Germany in October 2023, coinciding with its emergence in ruminants and the presence of Schmallenberg virus in midge pools.

Dogs and cats are less susceptible to the omicron variant of concern of SARS-CoV-2 - a field study

This study investigates the susceptibility of dogs and cats to the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 by testing seropositivity in pets exposed to infected owners during the delta and omicron periods.

The spike gene is a major determinant for the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-BA.1 phenotype

This study shows the spike gene determines replication, pathogenicity, and immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-BA.1 compared to Delta in cell cultures and animal models.

Low-dose bivalent mRNA vaccine is highly effective against different SARS-CoV-2 variants in a transgenic mouse model

This study shows a low-dose bivalent mRNA vaccine targeting multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants provides strong protection in mice and rats, with comparable antibody levels and reduced viral replication.

Serological screening in wild ruminants in Germany, 2021/22: No evidence of SARS-CoV-2, bluetongue virus or pestivirus spread but high seroprevalences against Schmallenberg virus

The paper serologically screens wild ruminants in Germany for SARS-CoV-2, bluetongue virus, pestivirus, and Schmallenberg virus, finding no evidence of spread but high seroprevalence against Schmallenberg virus and potential cross-reactivity with SARS-CoV-2.

Serological screening suggests single SARS-CoV-2 spillover events to cattle

The paper screens 1000 cattle sera from Germany in late 2021 and finds 11 antibody-positive samples, suggesting occasional SARS-CoV-2 spillover from humans to cattle but no further spread.

CVnCoV protects human ACE2 transgenic mice from ancestral B BavPat1 and emerging B.1.351 SARS-CoV-2

This study evaluates the efficacy of the CVnCoV mRNA vaccine against ancestral and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants in a human ACE2 transgenic mouse model, showing complete protection against B.1.351.

Experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection of bank voles - general susceptibility but lack of direct transmission

This study shows bank voles become infected with SARS-CoV-2, showing seroconversion and viral RNA, but do not transmit the virus to contact animals.

Multi-species ELISA for the detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in animals

The paper develops a multi-species ELISA to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in animals, achieving 100% specificity and 98.31% sensitivity across multiple species.

Experimental infection of cattle with SARS-CoV-2

This study infects cattle with SARS-CoV-2 and observes limited replication and sero-reactivity in some animals while in-contact animals remain uninfected.

Susceptibility of raccoon dogs for experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection

This study shows raccoon dogs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can transmit it to direct contact animals, suggesting they may act as intermediate hosts.

Pitfalls in SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics

This study identifies contamination of commercial PCR reagents as a source of false positives in SARS-CoV-2 testing, emphasizing the need for rigorous validation of reagents before use.