Person:
Barroso Arévalo, Sandra

First Name

Sandra

Last Name

Barroso Arévalo

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/80487

Affiliation

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Faculty / Institute

Veterinaria

Department

Sanidad Animal

Identifiers

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Now showing 1 - 8 of 8

Neuropathological lesions in intravenous BCG-stimulated K18-hACE2 mice challenged with SARS-CoV-2
(Veterinary Research, 2024) Sánchez Morales, Lidia; Porras González, Néstor; García-Seco Romero, María Teresa; Pérez Sancho, Marta; Cruz López, Fátima; Chinchilla Rodríguez, Blanca; Barroso Arévalo, Sandra; Díaz Frutos, Marta; Buendía Andrés, Aránzazu; Moreno, Inmaculada; Briones Dieste, Víctor; Risalde, María A.; De la Fuente, José; Juste, Ramón; Garrido, Joseba; Balseiro, Ana; Gortázar, Christian; Rodríguez Bertos, Antonio Manuel; Domínguez, Mercedes; Domínguez Rodríguez, Lucas José
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, questions emerged about the potential effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine on the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the neurodegenerative diseases it may contribute to. To explore this, an experimental study was carried out in BCG-stimulated and non-stimulated k18-hACE2 mice challenged with SARS-CoV-2. Viral loads in tissues determined by RT-qPCR, histopathology in brain and lungs, immunohistochemical study in brain (IHC) as well as mortality rates, clinical signs and plasma inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers were assessed. Our results showed BCG-SARS-CoV-2 challenged mice presented higher viral loads in the brain and an increased frequency of neuroinvasion, with the greatest differences observed between groups at 3–4 days post-infection (dpi). Histopathological examination showed a higher severity of brain lesions in BCG-SARS-CoV-2 challenged mice, mainly consisting of neuroinflammation, increased glial cell population and neuronal degeneration, from 5 dpi onwards. This group also presented higher interstitial pneumonia and vascular thrombosis in lungs (3–4 dpi), BCG-SARS-CoV-2 mice showed higher values for TNF-α and D-dimer values, while iNOS values were higher in SARS-CoV-2 mice at 3–4 dpi. Results presented in this study indicate that BCG stimulation could have intensified the inflammatory and neurodegenerative lesions promoting virus neuroinvasion and dissemination in this experimental model. Although k18-hACE2 mice show higher hACE2 expression and neurodissemination, this study suggests that, although the benefits of BCG on enhancing heterologous protection against pathogens and tumour cells have been broadly demonstrated, potential adverse outcomes due to the non-specific effects of BCG should be considered.
A retrospective study of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in dogs and cats in the Community of Madrid, Spain
(Frontiers in Microbiology, 2023) Sánchez Morales, Lidia; Sánchez-Vizcaíno Rodríguez, José Manuel; Domínguez Rodríguez, Lucas José; Barroso Arévalo, Sandra
To date, susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic animals including cats and dogs has been described. However, it is important to carry out passive surveillance of these animals to be aware of any changes in the outcomes of the disease in these species that may occur. In this study, we have performed a retrospective study in which we analyzed sera (n = 1,640) from random animals: dogs (n = 1,381) and cats (n = 259) belonging to both homes (n = 1,533) and animal protection centers (n = 107) in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Neutralizing antibodies were evaluated between November 2021 and May 2022 using a surrogate ELISA kit to determine the seroprevalence. Based on the results obtained, a few animals (both cats and dogs) presented neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (2.3%), all of them from private owners. However, the seroprevalence in cats (4.6%) resulted to be almost twice as much as in dogs (1.9%) which reinforces that cats’ susceptibility to the infection seems higher than in the case of dogs, maybe due to the lower ACE2 expression of the dogs in the respiratory tract. These findings also confirm that the probability of infection is considerably higher in domestic animals in close contact with infected owners, compared to animals living in animal shelters whose contact with humans is markedly lower.
Large-scale study on virological and serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs in Spain
(Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2022) Barroso Arévalo, Sandra; Barneto, Alberto; Ramos, Angel M; Rivera Arroyo, Belén; Sánchez García, Rocío; Sánchez Morales, Lidia; Buendía Andrés, Aranzazu; Ferreras, Elisa; Ortiz Menéndez, Juan Carlos; Moreno, Inmaculada; Serres Dalmau, María Consolacion; Vela, Carmen; Risalde, María A.; Sánchez-Vizcaíno Rodríguez, José Manuel; Domínguez Rodríguez, Lucas José; Pérez Sancho, Marta; Pérez Sancho, Marta
The disease produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently one of the primary concerns worldwide. Knowing the zoonotic origin of the disease and that several animal species, including dogs and cats, are susceptible to viral infection, it is critical to assess the relevance of pets in this pandemic. Here, we performed a large-scale study on SARS-CoV-2 serological and viral prevalence in cats and dogs in Spain in order to elucidate their role and susceptibility. Samples from animals in contact with COVID-19 positive people and/or compatible symptoms (n = 492), as well as from random animals (n = 1024), were taken. Despite the large number of animals analyzed, only 12 animals (eight dogs and four cats), which represents 0.79% of the total analyzed animals (n = 1516), were positive for viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in which viral isolation was possible in four animals. We detected neutralizing antibodies in 34 animals, four of them were also positive for PCR. This study evidences that pets are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in natural conditions but at a low level, as evidenced by the low percentage of positive animals detected, being infected humans the main source of infection. However, the inclusion of animals in the surveillance of COVID-19 is still recommended.
Neuropathological lesions in intravenous BCG-stimulated K18-hACE2 mice challenged with SARS-CoV-2
(Veterinary Research, 2024) Sánchez Morales, Lidia; Porras, Néstor; García-Seco Romero, María Teresa; Pérez Sancho, Marta; Cruz López, Fátima; Chinchilla, Blanca; Barroso Arévalo, Sandra; Diaz Frutos, Marta; Buendía, Aránzazu; Moreno, Inmaculada; Briones Dieste, Víctor; Risalde, María de los Ángeles; de la Fuente, José; Juste, Ramón; Garrido, Joseba; Balseiro, Ana; Gortázar, Christian; Rodríguez Bertos, Antonio Manuel; Domínguez, Mercedes; Domínguez Rodríguez, Lucas José
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, questions emerged about the potential effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine on the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the neurodegenerative diseases it may contribute to. To explore this, an experimental study was carried out in BCG-stimulated and non-stimulated k18-hACE2 mice challenged with SARS-CoV-2. Viral loads in tissues determined by RT-qPCR, histopathology in brain and lungs, immunohistochemical study in brain (IHC) as well as mortality rates, clinical signs and plasma inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers were assessed. Our results showed BCG-SARS-CoV-2 challenged mice presented higher viral loads in the brain and an increased frequency of neuroinvasion, with the greatest differences observed between groups at 3–4 days post-infection (dpi). Histopathological examination showed a higher severity of brain lesions in BCG-SARS-CoV-2 challenged mice, mainly consisting of neuroinflammation, increased glial cell population and neuronal degeneration, from 5 dpi onwards. This group also presented higher interstitial pneumonia and vascular thrombosis in lungs (3–4 dpi), BCG-SARS-CoV-2 mice showed higher values for TNF-α and D-dimer values, while iNOS values were higher in SARS-CoV-2 mice at 3–4 dpi. Results presented in this study indicate that BCG stimulation could have intensified the inflammatory and neurodegenerative lesions promoting virus neuroinvasion and dissemination in this experimental model. Although k18-hACE2 mice show higher hACE2 expression and neurodissemination, this study suggests that, although the benefits of BCG on enhancing heterologous protection against pathogens and tumour cells have been broadly demonstrated, potential adverse outcomes due to the non-specific effects of BCG should be considered.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Studies in Pets, Spain
(Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2023) Sánchez Morales, Lidia; Barroso Arévalo, Sandra; Barasona García-Arévalo, José Ángel; Domínguez Rodríguez, Lucas José; Sánchez-Vizcaíno Rodríguez, José Manuel
SARS-CoV-2 can infect domestic animals such as cats and dogs. The zoonotic origin of the disease requires surveillance on animals. Seroprevalence studies are useful tools for detecting previous exposure because the short period of virus shedding in animals makes detection of the virus difficult. We report on an extensive serosurvey on pets in Spain that covered 23 months. We included animals with exposure to SARS-CoV-2-infected persons, random animals, and stray animals in the study. We also evaluated epidemiologic variables such as human accumulated incidence and spatial location. We detected neutralizing antibodies in 3.59% of animals and showed a correlation between COVID-19 incidence in humans and positivity to antibody detection in pets. This study shows that more pets were infected with SARS-CoV-2 than in previous reports based on molecular research, and the findings highlight the need to establish preventive measures to avoid reverse zoonosis events.
Comparative SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 variant and D614G-Wuhan strain infections in ferrets: insights into attenuation and disease progression during subclinical to mild COVID-19
(Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024) Barroso Arévalo, Sandra; Sánchez Morales, Lidia; Porras González, Néstor; Díaz Frutos, Marta; Barasona García-Arévalo, José Ángel; Isla, Julio; López, Débora; Gortázar, Christian; Domínguez Rodríguez, Lucas José; Sánchez-Vizcaíno Rodríguez, José Manuel
Introduction: As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve and new variants emerge, it becomes crucial to understand the comparative pathological and immunological responses elicited by different strains. This study focuses on the original Wuhan strain and the Omicron variant, which have demonstrated significant differences in clinical outcomes and immune responses. Methods: We employed ferrets as an experimental model to assess the D614G variant (a derivative of the Wuhan strain) and the Omicron BA.5 variant. Each variant was inoculated into separate groups of ferrets to compare disease severity, viral dissemination, and immune responses. Results: The D614G variant induced more severe disease and greater viral spread than the Omicron variant. Notably, ferrets infected with the D614G variant exhibited a robust neutralizing antibody response, whereas those infected with the Omicron variant failed to produce a detectable neutralizing antibody response. Despite the clearance of the virus from nearly all tissues by 7 days post-infection, an increase in pathological lesions was observed from 14 to 21 days, particularly in those infected with the D614G variant, suggesting a sustained immune response even after viral clearance. Discussion: These findings underscore the adaptability of SARS-CoV-2 and illuminate how susceptibility and clinical manifestations vary across different strains and species. The results emphasize the necessity of considering both the direct effects of viral infection and the indirect, often prolonged, impacts of the immune response in evaluating the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
A subunit vaccine candidate based on the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 prevents infectious virus shedding in cats
(Research in Veterinary Science, 2022) Barroso Arévalo, Sandra; Sánchez Morales, Lidia; Domínguez, Mercedes; Risalde, María A.; García Bocanegra, Ignacio; Sánchez-Vizcaíno Rodríguez, José Manuel; Domínguez Rodríguez, Lucas José; García-Seco Romero, María Teresa
Of the numerous animal species affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, cats are one of the most susceptible, and catto-cat transmission has been described. Although cat-to-human infection has not, as yet, been demonstrated, preventive measures should be taken in order to avoid both viral infection in cats and transmission among them. In this respect, the application of an effective vaccine to at-risk populations would be a useful tool for controlling the disease in this species. Here, we test a new vaccine prototype based on the Spike protein of the virus in order to prevent infection and infectious virus shedding in cats. The vaccine employed in experimentation, and which is easily produced, triggered a strong neutralizing antibody response in vaccinated animals. In contrast to that which occurred with control animals, no infectious virus was detected in the oropharyngeal or rectal swabs of vaccinated cats submitted to a SARS-CoV-2 challenge. These results are of great interest as regards future considerations related to implementing vaccination programs in pets. The value of cats as vaccination trial models is also described herein.
Evaluation of the clinical evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats by simulating natural routes of infection
(Veterinary Research Communications, 2022) Barroso Arévalo, Sandra; Sánchez Morales, Lidia; Barasona García-Arévalo, José Ángel; Rivera Arroyo, Belén; Sánchez García, Rocío; Risalde, María A.; Agulló-Ros, Irene; Sánchez-Vizcaíno Rodríguez, José Manuel
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the current pandemic disease denominated as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several studies suggest that the original source of this virus was a spillover from an animal reservoir and its subsequent adaptation to humans. Of all the different animals affected, cats are one of the most susceptible species. Moreover, several cases of natural infection in domestic and stray cats have been reported in the last few months. Although experimental infection assays have demonstrated that cats are successfully infected and can transmit the virus to other cats by aerosol, the conditions used for these experiments have not been specified in terms of ventilation. We have, therefore, evaluated the susceptibility of cats using routes of infection similar to those expected under natural conditions (exposure to a sneeze, cough, or contaminated environment) by aerosol and oral infection. We have also evaluated the transmission capacity among infected and naïve cats using different air exchange levels. Despite being infected using natural routes and shed virus for a long period, the cats did not transmit the virus to contact cats when air renovation features were employed. The infected animals also developed gross and histological lesions in several organs. These outcomes confirm that cats are at risk of infection when exposed to infected people, but do not transmit the virus to other cats with high rates of air renovation.