Transmission of HCoV-OC43 to pet hamsters.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a significant group of pathogens that pose a serious threat to both human and animal health, with some being zoonotic and displaying frequent cross-species transmission. Human CoV-OC43 (HCoV-OC43) is one of the four common human CoVs that can cause seasonal mild to moderate respiratory diseases in humans. In this study, we identified HCoV-OC43 for the first time in two asymptomatic pet hamsters, which share a high similarity with the human-derived HCoV-OC43 strain, suggesting potential cross-species transmission of HCoV-OC43 to pet hamsters. The finding emphasizes the need to strengthen pathogen monitoring of livestock and pets in close contact with humans to provide early warning of public safety. • We identified HCoV-OC43 for the first time in hamsters and its close similarity to the human-origin virus. • Hamster-derived HCoV-OC43 has some unique amino acid mutations compared to human-derived strains. • The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of pathogen monitoring in animals with close contact to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]