scholarly journals Lack of serological evidence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in virus exposed camel abattoir workers in Nigeria, 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (32) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray TY So ◽  
Ranawaka APM Perera ◽  
Jamiu O Oladipo ◽  
Daniel KW Chu ◽  
Sulyman A Kuranga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Zoonotic Infection ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Abattoir Workers

Background Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic threat of global public health concern and dromedary camels are the source of zoonotic infection. Although MERS-CoV is enzootic in dromedaries in Africa as well as the Middle East, zoonotic disease has not been reported in Africa. Methods: In an abattoir in Kano, Nigeria, we tested nasal swabs from camels and investigated 261 humans with repeated occupational exposure to camels, many of whom also reported drinking fresh camel milk (n = 138) or urine (n = 94) or using camel urine for medicinal purposes (n = 96). Results: Weekly MERS-CoV RNA detection in January–February 2016 ranged from 0–8.4% of camels sampled. None of the abattoir workers with exposure to camels had evidence of neutralising antibody to MERS-CoV. Conclusion: There is a need for more studies to investigate whether or not zoonotic transmission of MERS-CoV does take place in Africa.

scholarly journals Risk factors for MERS coronavirus infection in dromedary camels in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Morocco, 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eve Miguel ◽  
Véronique Chevalier ◽  
Gelagay Ayelet ◽  
Med Nadir Ben Bencheikh ◽  
Hiver Boussini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Zoonotic Infection ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Coronavirus Infection

Understanding Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) transmission in dromedary camels is important, as they consitute a source of zoonotic infection to humans. To identify risk factors for MERS-CoV infection in camels bred in diverse conditions in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Morocco, blood samples and nasal swabs were sampled in February–March 2015. A relatively high MERS-CoV RNA rate was detected in Ethiopia (up to 15.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.2–28.0), followed by Burkina Faso (up to 12.2%; 95% CI: 7–20.4) and Morocco (up to 7.6%; 95% CI: 1.9–26.1). The RNA detection rate was higher in camels bred for milk or meat than in camels for transport (p = 0.01) as well as in younger camels (p = 0.06). High seropositivity rates (up to 100%; 95% CI: 100–100 and 99.4%; 95% CI: 95.4–99.9) were found in Morocco and Ethiopia, followed by Burkina Faso (up to 84.6%; 95% CI: 77.2–89.9). Seropositivity rates were higher in large/medium herds (≥51 camels) than small herds (p = 0.061), in camels raised for meat or milk than for transport (p = 0.01), and in nomadic or sedentary herds than in herds with a mix of these lifestyles (p < 0.005).

scholarly journals Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection in Dromedary Camels in Saudi Arabia

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz N. Alagaili ◽  
Thomas Briese ◽  
Nischay Mishra ◽  
Vishal Kapoor ◽  
Stephen C. Sameroff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Coronavirus Infection

scholarly journals Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Dromedary Camels in Africa and Middle East

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kandeil ◽  
Gomaa ◽  
Nageh ◽  
Shehata ◽  
Kayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
East African ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Clade C

: Dromedary camels are the natural reservoirs of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camels are mostly bred in East African countries then exported into Africa and Middle East for consumption. To understand the distribution of MERS-CoV among camels in North Africa and the Middle East, we conducted surveillance in Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. We also performed longitudinal studies of three camel herds in Egypt and Jordan to elucidate MERS-CoV infection and transmission. Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 4027 nasal swabs and 3267 serum samples were collected from all countries. Real- time PCR revealed that MERS-CoV RNA was detected in nasal swab samples from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Microneutralization assay showed that antibodies were detected in all countries. Positive PCR samples were partially sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was built. The tree suggested that all sequences are of clade C and sequences from camels in Egypt formed a separate group from previously published sequences. Longitudinal studies showed high seroprevalence in adult camels. These results indicate the widespread distribution of the virus in camels. A systematic active surveillance and longitudinal studies for MERS-CoV are needed to understand the epidemiology of the disease and dynamics of viral infection.

scholarly journals Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in dromedary camels in Nigeria, 2015

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (49) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel KW Chu ◽  
Jamiu O Oladipo ◽  
Ranawaka APM Perera ◽  
Sulaiman A Kuranga ◽  
Samuel MS Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Arabian Peninsula ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Evidence of current and past Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in dromedary camels slaughtered at an abattoir in Kano, Nigeria in January 2015, was sought by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and serology. MERS-CoV RNA was detected in 14 (11%) of 132 nasal swabs and antibody in 126 (96%) of 131 serum samples. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that the viruses in Nigeria are genetically distinct from those reported in the Arabian peninsula.

scholarly journals Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Quasispecies That Include Homologues of Human Isolates Revealed through Whole-Genome Analysis and Virus Cultured from Dromedary Camels in Saudi Arabia

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Briese ◽  
Nischay Mishra ◽  
Komal Jain ◽  
Iyad S. Zalmout ◽  
Omar J. Jabado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Interspecies Transmission ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Nasal Swabs

ABSTRACTComplete Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) genome sequences were obtained from nasal swabs of dromedary camels sampled in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through direct analysis of nucleic acid extracts or following virus isolation in cell culture. Consensus dromedary MERS-CoV genome sequences were the same with either template source and identical to published human MERS-CoV sequences. However, in contrast to individual human cases, where only clonal genomic sequences are reported, detailed population analyses revealed the presence of more than one genomic variant in individual dromedaries. If humans are truly infected only with clonal virus populations, we must entertain a model for interspecies transmission of MERS-CoV wherein only specific genotypes are capable of passing bottleneck selection.IMPORTANCEIn most cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), the route for human infection with the causative agent, MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is unknown. Antibodies to and viral nucleic acids of MERS-CoV have been found in dromedaries, suggesting the possibility that they may serve as a reservoir or vector for human infection. However, neither whole viral genomic sequence nor infectious virus has been isolated from dromedaries or other animals in Saudi Arabia. Here, we report recovery of MERS-CoV from nasal swabs of dromedaries, demonstrate that MERS-CoV whole-genome consensus sequences from dromedaries and humans are indistinguishable, and show that dromedaries can be simultaneously infected with more than one MERS-CoV. Together with data indicating widespread dromedary infection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, these findings support the plausibility of a role for dromedaries in human infection.

scholarly journals Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection in Dromedary Camels in Saudi Arabia

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz N. Alagaili ◽  
Thomas Briese ◽  
Nischay Mishra ◽  
Vishal Kapoor ◽  
Stephen C. Sameroff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Domestic Sheep ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Current Prevalence ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Viral Sequences

ABSTRACT The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is proposed to be a zoonotic disease; however, the reservoir and mechanism for transmission of the causative agent, the MERS coronavirus, are unknown. Dromedary camels have been implicated through reports that some victims have been exposed to camels, camels in areas where the disease has emerged have antibodies to the virus, and viral sequences have been recovered from camels in association with outbreaks of the disease among humans. Nonetheless, whether camels mediate transmission to humans is unresolved. Here we provide evidence from a geographic and temporal survey of camels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that MERS coronaviruses have been circulating in camels since at least 1992, are distributed countrywide, and can be phylogenetically classified into clades that correlate with outbreaks of the disease among humans. We found no evidence of infection in domestic sheep or domestic goats. IMPORTANCE This study was undertaken to determine the historical and current prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus infection in dromedary camels and other livestock in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the index case and the majority of cases of MERS have been reported.

scholarly journals Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies as Promising Therapeutics against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection

Viruses ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-Ju Han ◽  
Jian-Wei Liu ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
Xue-Jie Yu
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Emerging Viruses ◽  
Passive Immunotherapy ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
High Fatality Rate ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Review Current

Since emerging in 2012, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has been a global public health threat with a high fatality rate and worldwide distribution. There are no approved vaccines or therapies for MERS until now. Passive immunotherapy with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is an effective prophylactic and therapeutic reagent against emerging viruses. In this article, we review current advances in neutralizing mAbs against MERS-CoV. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the spike protein of MERS-CoV is a major target, and mouse, camel, or human-derived neutralizing mAbs targeting RBD have been developed. A major problem with neutralizing mAb therapy is mutant escape under selective pressure, which can be solved by combination of neutralizing mAbs targeting different epitopes. Neutralizing mAbs are currently under preclinical evaluation, and they are promising candidate therapeutic agents against MERS-CoV infection.

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.

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