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Origins, natural reservoirs and interspecies transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other SARS-like coronaviruses (ONRITS project)

  • Funded by Institut Pasteur International Network (IPIN)
  • Total publications:0 publications

Grant number: ONRITS

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Key facts

  • Disease

    COVID-19

  • Funder

    Institut Pasteur International Network (IPIN)

  • Principal Investigator

    N/A

  • Research Location

    France

  • Lead Research Institution

    N/A

  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A

  • Research Category

    Animal and environmental research and research on diseases vectors

  • Research Subcategory

    Animal source and routes of transmission

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Non-Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    N/A

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Not Applicable

  • Vulnerable Population

    Not applicable

  • Occupations of Interest

    Not applicable

Abstract

Aim: to improve understanding of the origins, natural history and dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-like coronaviruses in their natural environment. The main focus is to shed light on interspecies transmission (among bats, between bats and other animals, and between bats and humans); this is vital to mitigate the effects of future outbreaks like the devastating pandemic we are currently witnessing with SARS-CoV-2.It is crucial to determine which bat species serve(s) as natural reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2. This project will involve collecting biological samples (oral and fecal swabs, blood and urine samples) from bats and testing them for SARS-CoV-2 or other SARS-CoVs to determine their natural host.Bat fly ectoparasites and flying hematophagous insects (sand flies, mosquitoes and biting midges) will also be tested for the virus, since they may play a role in transmitting SARS-CoVs from one bat to another. Interactions with other animals will be observed to identify other potential hosts (snakes, civet cats or pangolins).