Transmission of Cowpox Virus from Rats to Elephants to Humans
Author Information
Author(s): Kurth Andreas, Wibbelt Gudrun, Gerber Hans-Peter, Petschaelis Angelika, Pauli Georg, Nitsche Andreas
Primary Institution: Robert Koch Institute
Hypothesis
Can cowpox virus be transmitted from rats to elephants and then to humans?
Conclusion
The study confirms that cowpox virus can be transmitted from rats to elephants and subsequently to humans.
Supporting Evidence
- CPXV was isolated from an elephant that exhibited lesions.
- A human keeper developed lesions after contact with the infected elephant.
- Rats tested positive for CPXV antibodies, indicating recent infection.
- The HA ORF sequences showed high homology between the viruses from the elephant and the human keeper.
Takeaway
Rats can spread cowpox virus to elephants, and then elephants can pass it to humans, which is important to know for keeping people safe.
Methodology
The study involved isolating the virus from an infected elephant and a human keeper, and testing rats for antibodies.
Limitations
No data about CPXV prevalence in rats are available, and the exact transmission route from rat to elephant remains unclear.
Participant Demographics
The study involved a 19-year-old healthy, unvaccinated animal keeper and a circus elephant.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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