Coronavirus infections and influenzavirus infections in companion animals

Both cats and dogs can be infected with different influenza- and coronaviruses. These infections are associated with respiratory and/or gastro-intestinal illness, but information on exposure (prevalence) cell- and tissue tropism (route of infection, cell-infection) and pathogenesis of (non species specific) viruses remains underexplored. The research conducted in this PhD will focus on gaining more insight in the potential role of avian- and human exposure to influenzavirus A infection and avian exposure to porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) infection in companion animals. Cell and/or tissue infection will be studied using tissue models and diagnostic assays will be developed to study populations of cats and dogs that are considered more at risk of infection.

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Mirjam Duijvestijn