First report and genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in a cat (Felis catus) in Colombia.

Introduction. SARS-CoV-2 is a virus of zoonotic origin that can bind to ACE2 receptors on the cells of various mammals, including animals such as cats, dogs, ferrets, hyenas, coatis, otters, big cats, non-human primates, white-tailed deer, manatees, hippopotamuses, hamsters, and minks. Studies have shown that the virus can circulate among minks and Syrian hamsters, mutate, lead to animal-to-human zoonotic jump, and further onward spread between humans. The transmission of the virus from humans to cats is evident, but the virus's return to humans has not yet been demonstrated. Infection in pets is unusual, and there are few human-to-pet transmission reports worldwide. Objective. To describe the SARS-CoV-2 infection in Cordoba, Colombian Caribbean, a domestic animal. Methods. A cross-sectional molecular surveillance study was carried out, oral and rectal swabs were taken from cats and dogs living with people diagnosed with COVID-19. Results. SARS-CoV-2 was found in a cat living with a person with COVID-19. Genome sequencing showed that the B.1.111 lineage caused the infection in the cat. The owner's sample could not be sequenced. The lineage is predominant in Colombia, and this variant is characterized by the presence of the D614D and Q57H mutation. Conclusion.This is the first report on sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 genome in a cat in Colombia shows the importance of some interesting SARS-CoV-2 mutations in promoting the transmissibility of this new coronavirus in companion animals. Lack of information Human-to-cat or cat-to-human infection.