FIG 3.

Tissue distribution of SARS-CoV-2 D614G, Delta, and Omicron BA.1.1 following virus inoculation in cats. Tissues were collected and processed for real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) and infectious virus titrations. Tissue distribution of SARS-CoV-2 RNA assessed by rRT-PCR. Samples from two cats per group were tested at day 3 (A) and 5 (B) postinfection (pi), and samples from three cats per group were tested at day 14 pi (C). Tissue distribution of subgenomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA (replicating RNA) assessed in tissue samples collected on days 3 (D), 5 (E), and 14 pi (F). Infectious SARS-CoV-2 in tissues assessed by virus titrations in rRT-PCR-positive samples obtained on days 3 (G), 5 (H) and 14 pi (I). Virus titers were determined using endpoint dilutions and expressed as TCID₅₀.Ml⁻¹. Data are presented as means ± standard deviation. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.005; ****, P < 0.0001.