Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from Pet Hamsters to Humans — And Onward

Human infections with SARS-CoV-2 were traced back to pet Syrian hamsters and subsequent human-to-human transmission.

Various animals can spread infections to humans: Turtles and hedgehogs have transmitted salmonella species (NEJM JW Infect Dis Nov 2021 and MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021; 70:1100), birds have transmitted chlamydia, and 5 decades ago, it was reported that laboratory workers acquired lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus as a result of contact with hamsters (N Engl J Med 1966; 274:934).

Now, researchers in Hong Kong have demonstrated that Syrian hamsters sold there as pets carried, and transferred to humans, SARS-CoV-2 virus. In turn, these viruses could be passed from human to human, causing disease in persons who did not have any direct exposure to the hamsters. The viruses were all genetically similar and of the Delta variant (AY.127). Phylog…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from Pet Hamsters to Humans — And Onward

Topics

Reviewing Author