scholarly journals Lack of detection of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) nucleic acids in some Hyalomma dromedarii infesting some Camelu dromedary naturally infected with MERS-CoV

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maged Gomaa Hemida ◽  
Mohammed Alhammadi ◽  
Faisal Almathen ◽  
Abdelmohsen Alnaeem
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
One Health ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Dromedary Camel ◽  
Hyalomma Dromedarii ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Animal Reservoir ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Nasal Secretions

Abstract Objective The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is one of the zoonotic coronaviruses [Hemida Peer J 7:e7556, 2019; Hemida et al. One Health 8:100102, 2019]. The dromedary camels remained the only known animal reservoir for this virus. Several aspects of the transmission cycle of the virus between animals, including arthropod-borne infection, is still largely unknown. The main objective of the current work was to study the possibility of MERS-CoV transmission through some arthropod vectors, particularly the hard ticks. To achieve this objective, we identified a positive MERS-CoV dromedary camel herd using the commercial available real-time PCR kits. We collected some arthropods, particularly the ticks from these positive animals as well as from the animal habitats. We tested these arthropods for the presence of MERS-CoV viral RNAs. Results Our results showing the absence of any detectable MERS-CoV-RNAs in these arthropods despite these animals were actively shedding the virus in their nasal secretions. Our results are confirming for the first the failure of detection of the MERS-CoV in ticks infesting dromedary camels. Failure of the detection of MERS-CoV in ticks infesting positive naturally infected MERS-CoV camels is strongly suggesting that ticks do not play roles in the transmission of the virus among the animals and close contact humans.

scholarly journals Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and the One Health concept

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maged Gomaa Hemida
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
One Health ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Dromedary Camel ◽  
Animal Reservoir ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is one of the major threats to the healthcare systems in some countries, especially in the Arabian Peninsula. MERS-CoV is considered an ideal example of the One Health concept. This is due to the animals, especially dromedary camels, play important roles in the transmission and sustainability of the virus, and the virus can be transmitted through aerosols of infected patients into the environment. However, there is some debate regarding the origin of MERS-CoV either from bats or other unknown reservoirs. The dromedary camel is the only identified animal reservoir to date. These animals play important roles in sustaining the virus in certain communities and may act as an amplifier of the virus by secreting it in their body fluids, especially in nasal and rectal discharges. MERS-CoV has been detected in the nasal and rectal secretions of infected camels, and MERS-CoV of this origin has full capacity to infect human airway epithelium in both in vitro and in vivo models. Other evidence confirms the direct transmission of MERS-CoV from camels to humans, though the role of camel meat and milk products has yet to be well studied. Human-to-human transmission is well documented through contact with an active infected patient or some silently infected persons. Furthermore, there are some significant risk factors of individuals in close contact with a positive MERS-CoV patient, including sleeping in the same patient room, removing patient waste (urine, stool, and sputum), and touching respiratory secretions from the index case. Outbreaks within family clusters have been reported, whereby some blood relative patients were infected through their wives in the same house were not infected. Some predisposing genetic factors favor MERS-CoV infection in some patients, which is worth investigating in the near future. The presence of other comorbidities may be another factor. Overall, there are many unknown/confirmed aspects of the virus/human/animal network. Here, the most recent advances in this context are discussed, and the possible reasons behind the emergence and sustainability of MERS-CoV in certain regions are presented. Identification of the exact mechanism of transmission of MERS-CoV from camels to humans and searching for new reservoir/s are of high priority. This will reduce the shedding of the virus into the environment, and thus the risk of human infection can be mitigated.

scholarly journals The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in the breath of some infected dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maged Gomaa Hemida ◽  
Mohammed Ali ◽  
Mohammed Alhammadi ◽  
Abdelmohsen Alnaeem
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
N Gene ◽  
Dromedary Camel ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Virus Shedding ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Exhaled Air

Abstract Dromedary camels remain the currently identified reservoir for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus is released in the secretions of the infected camels, especially the nasal tract. The virus shedding curve through the nasal secretions was studied. Although human transmission of the virus through the respiratory tract of close contact people with dromedary reported previously, the exact mechanism of transmission is still largely unknown. The main goal of this study was to check the possibility of MERS-CoV shedding in the exhaled air of the infected camels. To achieve this goal, we conducted a follow-up study in one of the dromedary camel herds, December 2018–April 2019. We tested nasal swabs, breath samples from animals within this herd by the real-time PCR. Our results showed that some of the tested nasal swabs and breath were positive from 24 March 2019 until 7 April 2019. The phylogenetic analysis of the obtained S and N gene sequences revealed the detected viruses are clustering together with some human and camel samples from the eastern region, especially from Al-Hufuf city, as well as some samples from Qatar and Jordon. These results are clearly showing the possibility of shedding of the virus in the breath of the infected camels. This could explain, at least in part, the mechanism of transmission of MERS-CoV from animals to humans. This study is confirming the shedding of MERS-CoV in the exhaled air of the infected camels. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the MERS-CoV.

scholarly journals Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) RNA and neutralising antibodies in milk collected according to local customs from dromedary camels, Qatar, April 2014

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
C B Reusken ◽  
E A Farag ◽  
M Jonges ◽  
G J Godeke ◽  
A M El-Sayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Neutralising Antibodies ◽  
Virus Shedding ◽  
Active Virus ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Nasal Secretions

Antibodies to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) were detected in serum and milk collected according to local customs from 33 camels in Qatar, April 2014. At one location, evidence for active virus shedding in nasal secretions and/or faeces was observed for 7/12 camels; viral RNA was detected in milk of five of these seven camels. The presence of MERS-CoV RNA in milk of camels actively shedding the virus warrants measures to prevent putative food-borne transmission of MERS-CoV.

scholarly journals Limited Genetic Diversity Detected in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus Variants Circulating in Dromedary Camels in Jordan

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Stephanie N. Seifert ◽  
Jonathan E. Schulz ◽  
Stacy Ricklefs ◽  
Michael Letko ◽  
Elangeni Yabba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Middle East ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Full Genome Sequence ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Dromedary Camels

Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a persistent zoonotic pathogen with frequent spillover from dromedary camels to humans in the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in limited outbreaks of MERS with a high case-fatality rate. Full genome sequence data from camel-derived MERS-CoV variants show diverse lineages circulating in domestic camels with frequent recombination. More than 90% of the available full MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from camels are from just two countries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, we employ a novel method to amplify and sequence the partial MERS-CoV genome with high sensitivity from nasal swabs of infected camels. We recovered more than 99% of the MERS-CoV genome from field-collected samples with greater than 500 TCID50 equivalent per nasal swab from camel herds sampled in Jordan in May 2016. Our subsequent analyses of 14 camel-derived MERS-CoV genomes show a striking lack of genetic diversity circulating in Jordan camels relative to MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from large camel markets in KSA and UAE. The low genetic diversity detected in Jordan camels during our study is consistent with a lack of endemic circulation in these camel herds and reflective of data from MERS outbreaks in humans dominated by nosocomial transmission following a single introduction as reported during the 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea. Our data suggest transmission of MERS-CoV among two camel herds in Jordan in 2016 following a single introduction event.

scholarly journals Enzootic patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in imported African and local Arabian dromedary camels: a prospective genomic study

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (12) ◽  
pp. e521-e528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherif A El-Kafrawy ◽  
Victor M Corman ◽  
Ahmed M Tolah ◽  
Saad B Al Masaudi ◽  
Ahmed M Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Genomic Study

scholarly journals Global status of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in dromedary camels: a systematic review – CORRIGENDUM

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Sikkema ◽  
E. A. B. A. Farag ◽  
Mazharul Islam ◽  
Muzzamil Atta ◽  
C. B. E. M. Reusken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Global Status

scholarly journals Qatar experience on One Health approach for middle-east respiratory syndrome coronavirus, 2012–2017: A viewpoint

One Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 100090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elmoubasher Farag ◽  
Mohamed Nour ◽  
Md. Mazharul Islam ◽  
Aya Mustafa ◽  
Minahil Khalid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
One Health ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

scholarly journals Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) serology in major livestock species in an affected region in Jordan, June to September 2013

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (50) ◽  
Author(s):  
C B Reusken ◽  
M Ababneh ◽  
V S Raj ◽  
B Meyer ◽  
A Eljarah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Protein Microarray ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Neutralising Antibodies ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Livestock Species

Between June and September 2013, sera from 11 dromedary camels, 150 goats, 126 sheep and 91 cows were collected in Jordan, where the first human Middle-East respiratory syndrome (MERS) cluster appeared in 2012. All sera were tested for MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) specific antibodies by protein microarray with confirmation by virus neutralisation. Neutralising antibodies were found in all camel sera while sera from goats and cattle tested negative. Although six sheep sera reacted with MERS-CoV antigen, neutralising antibodies were not detected.

scholarly journals Airflow as a Possible Transmission Route of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome at an Initial Outbreak Hospital in Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minki Sung ◽  
Seongmin Jo ◽  
Sang-Eun Lee ◽  
Moran Ki ◽  
Bo Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Infected Patient ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Tracer Gas ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Indoor Airflow ◽  
Change Rate ◽  
Air Change Rate

In this study, the results of an airflow investigation conducted on 7 June 2015 as part of a series of epidemiologic investigations at Pyeongtaek St. Mary’s Hospital, South Korea, were investigated. The study involved 38 individuals who were infected directly and indirectly with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), by a super-spreader patient. Tracer gas experiments conducted on the eighth floor, where the initial patient was hospitalized, confirmed that the tracer gas spread to adjacent patient rooms and rooms across corridors. In particular, the experiment with an external wind direction and speed similar to those during the hospitalization of the initial patient revealed that the air change rate was 17–20 air changes per hour (ACH), with air introduced through the window in the room of the infected patient (room 8104). The tracer gas concentration of room 8110, which was the farthest room, was 7.56% of room 8104, indicating that a high concentration of gas has spread from room 8104 to rooms across the corridor. In contrast, the tracer gas was barely detected in a maternity ward to the south of room 8104, where there was no secondary infected patient. Moreover, MERS is known to spread mainly by droplets through close contact, but long-distance dispersion is probable in certain environments, such as that of a super-spreader patient hospitalized in a room without ventilation, hospitals with a central corridor type, and indoor airflow dispersion due to external wind.

scholarly journals Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Seropositive Camel Handlers in Kenya

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice N. Kiyong’a ◽  
Elizabeth A. J. Cook ◽  
Nisreen M. A. Okba ◽  
Velma Kivali ◽  
Chantal Reusken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory disease caused by a zoonotic coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camel handlers, including slaughterhouse workers and herders, are at risk of acquiring MERS-CoV infections. However, there is limited evidence of infections among camel handlers in Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of antibodies to MERS-CoV in high-risk groups in Kenya. Sera collected from 93 camel handlers, 58 slaughterhouse workers and 35 camel herders, were screened for MERS-CoV antibodies using ELISA and PRNT. We found four seropositive slaughterhouse workers by PRNT. Risk factors amongst the slaughterhouse workers included being the slaughterman (the person who cuts the throat of the camel) and drinking camel blood. Further research is required to understand the epidemiology of MERS-CoV in Africa in relation to occupational risk, with a need for additional studies on the transmission of MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans, seroprevalence and associated risk factors.

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