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

Abstract

: 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.

Middle East respiratory syndrome

“…Dromedary camels are a host reservoir species for the MERS-CoV (appendix pp 3-5). [20][21][22][23] Humans can acquire MERS-CoV through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels or infected patients [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] (figure 4A). However not all cases infected in the community report contact with dromedary camels (appendix p 4-5).…”

Special Issue “Emerging Viruses: Surveillance, Prevention, Evolution, and Control”

“…Coronaviruses, in particular, are addressed in three papers. Kandeil et al [1] demonstrate a high seroprevalence of MERS coronavirus in adult dromedary camels from Asia and Africa, and Alsaadi et al [2] characterize a fusion peptide in the spike protein of MERS-CoV. Avian coronaviruses are also addressed in the article from Fan et al [3], which reveals the changes in genetic diversity, dominant genotypes, and selection pressure on the bronchitis virus (IBV) circulating in yellow chickens in China.…”

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

“…In a recent study from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, MERS-CoV was detected in camels using either PCR or serology. 156 The positivity rate using PCR ranged from 0% in Uganda, Jordan, and Iraq to 3.1% in Saudi Arabia, 5.5% in Senegal, and 8.2% in Egypt. 156 It was shown that seropositivity is very high (84.5%) among tested camels compared with PCR positivity of 3.8%.…”