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Abdelazim M, Abdelkader R, Ali A, Shahein MA, Tadesse Z, Saad A, Mansour A, Ali SF, Atea M, Gardner E, VonDobschuetz S, Morzaria S, Makonnen Y, Lubroth J, Sumption K, ElMasry I, Zakaria T, Eid S, Hatab EA, Hagag NM, Yousef HMY, Emara M, Abdelwahed DA, Abdelmegeed HK, Hamdy ME, Mansour ONO, Guitian J. A longitudinal study of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in dromedary camels. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:228. [PMID: 37919680 PMCID: PMC10621169 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03769-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was identified in humans in 2012. Since then, 2605 cases and 937 associated deaths have been reported globally. Camels are the natural host for MERS-CoV and camel to human transmission has been documented. The relationship between MERS-CoV shedding and presence of neutralizing antibodies in camels is critical to inform surveillance and control, including future deployment of camel vaccines. However, it remains poorly understood. The longitudinal study conducted in a closed camel herd in Egypt between December 2019 and March 2020 helped to characterize the kinetics of MERS-CoV neutralizing antibodies and its relation with viral shedding. RESULTS During the 100-day longitudinal study, 27 out of 54 camels (50%) consistently tested negative for presence of antibodies against MERS-CoV, 19 (35.2%) tested positive and 8 (14.8%) had both, positive and negative test results. Fourteen events that could be interpreted as serological indication of probable infection (two seroconversions and twelve instances of positive camels more than doubling their optical density ratio (OD ratio) in consecutive samples) were identified. Observed times between the identified events provided strong evidence (p = 0.002) against the null hypothesis that they occurred with constant rate during the study, as opposed to clustering at certain points in time. A generalized additive model showed that optical density ratio (OD ratio) is positively associated with being an adult and varies across individual camels and days, peaking at around days 20 and 90 of the study. Despite serological indication of probable virus circulation and intense repeated sampling, none of the tested nasal swab samples were positive for MERS-CoV RNA, suggesting that, if the identified serological responses are the result of virus circulation, the virus may be present in nasal tissue of infected camels during a very narrow time window. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal testing of a closed camel herd with past history of MERS-CoV infection is compatible with the virus continuing to circulate in the herd despite lack of contact with other camels. It is likely that episodes of MERS-CoV infection in camels can take place with minimal presence of the virus in their nasal tissues, which has important implications for future surveillance and control of MERS-CoV in camel herds and prevention of its zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abdelhakim Ali
- General Organization for Veterinary Service, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Momtaz A Shahein
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zelalem Tadesse
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Saad
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal Mansour
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samah F Ali
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Atea
- General Organization for Veterinary Service, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emma Gardner
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Subhash Morzaria
- Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases, Texas A & M University, College Station, USA
| | - Yilma Makonnen
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Keith Sumption
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Ihab ElMasry
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Tarek Zakaria
- General Organization for Veterinary Service, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samah Eid
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Abo Hatab
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M Hagag
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mervate Emara
- General Organization for Veterinary Service, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina A Abdelwahed
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala K Abdelmegeed
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mervat E Hamdy
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Othman N O Mansour
- Agriculture Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
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2
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Islam MM, Khanom H, Farag E, Mim ZT, Naidoo P, Mkhize-Kwitshana ZL, Tibbo M, Islam A, Soares Magalhaes RJ, Hassan MM. Global patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence and seroprevalence in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. One Health 2023; 16:100561. [PMID: 37200564 PMCID: PMC10166617 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is one of the human coronaviruses that causes severe respiratory infection. Bats are considered to be the natural reservoir, where dromedary camels (DC) are the intermediate hosts of the virus. The current study was undertaken to provide an update on global distribution of the virus in camels, and to investigate the pooled prevalence and camel-associated risk factors of infection. After registration of the review protocol in the Open Science Framework, data searches were conducted on 18 April 2023 through Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Considering only natural MERS-CoV infection in camels, 94 articles were selected for data curation through blind screening by two authors. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence and to evaluate camel-associated risk factors. Finally, the results were presented in forest plots. The reviewed articles tested 34 countries, of which camels of 24 countries were seropositive and in 15 countries they were positive by molecular method. Viral RNA was detected in DC. Non-DC, such as bactrian camels, alpaca, llama, and hybrid camels were only seropositive. The global estimated pooled seroprevalence and viral RNA prevalence in DC were 77.53% and 23.63%, respectively, with the highest prevalence in West Asia (86.04% and 32.37% respectively). In addition, 41.08% of non-DC were seropositive. The estimated pooled prevalence of MERS-CoV RNA significantly varied by sample types with the highest in oral (45.01%) and lowest in rectal (8.42%) samples; the estimated pooled prevalence in nasal (23.10%) and milk (21.21%) samples were comparable. The estimated pooled seroprevalence in <2 years, 2-5 years, and > 5 years age groups were 56.32%, 75.31%, and 86.31%, respectively, while viral RNA prevalence was 33.40%, 15.87%, and 13.74%, respectively. Seroprevalence and viral RNA prevalence were generally higher in females (75.28% and 19.70%, respectively) than in males (69.53% and 18.99%, respectively). Local camels had lower estimated pooled seroprevalence (63.34%) and viral RNA prevalence (17.78%) than those of imported camels (89.17% and 29.41%, respectively). The estimated pooled seroprevalence was higher in camels of free-herds (71.70%) than confined herds (47.77%). Furthermore, estimated pooled seroprevalence was higher in samples from livestock markets, followed by abattoirs, quarantine, and farms but viral RNA prevalence was the highest in samples from abattoirs, followed by livestock markets, quarantine, and farms. Risk factors, such as sample type, young age, female sex, imported camels, and camel management must be considered to control and prevent the spread and emergence of MERS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamida Khanom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | | | - Zarin Tasnim Mim
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Pragalathan Naidoo
- Discipline of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Zilungile Lynette Mkhize-Kwitshana
- Discipline of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Markos Tibbo
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ricardo J. Soares Magalhaes
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
- Children Health and Environment Program, UQ Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
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3
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McAlester J, Kanazawa Y. Situating zoonotic diseases in peacebuilding and development theories: Prioritizing zoonoses in Jordan. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265508. [PMID: 35298543 PMCID: PMC8929606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases are projected to be a serious public threat in the coming decades. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that Jordan prioritize their list of zoonoses, partially in response to the influx of Syrian refugees. We write this paper to expand the One Health framework by situating zoonotic diseases in peacebuilding and development theories in order to prioritize zoonotic diseases in Jordan. We employ an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach to create a modified version of the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP) tool. We use an integrative literature review to develop a list of zoonoses to be prioritized. We expand the One Health framework by arguing health inequity is a form of violence, and thus promotion of health equity is a form of peacebuilding. We undertake thematic and statistical analyses to assess the 12 previously published OHZDP tools to evaluate necessity for change to the process given COVID-19 and the refugee situation in Jordan. In these analyses we use drivers of health indicators as measurements for peacebuilding and development, given these drivers are related to health inequities, to guide weighting of the criteria in our tool for Jordan. We apply our modified OHZDP tool to prioritize our disease list. We find it necessary to give socioeconomic factors greater consideration and to distribute weighting more evenly among all criteria within the tool when prioritizing zoonotic diseases in better reflect the Jordanian context and incorporate the refugee population. We find the priority zoonoses within Jordan to be bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, and COVID-19, with most having a disproportionately negative impact on refugees. In Jordan’s case, zoonotic diseases represent an area where promoting social equity for individuals is essential to the larger society. In this sense managing zoonoses is an area uniquely suited for peacebuilding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn McAlester
- Public Policy and Social Research, International Christian University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yuichiro Kanazawa
- Public Policy and Social Research, International Christian University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Azhar EI, Memish ZA, Zumla A. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 42:828-838. [PMID: 34918324 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1733804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The past two decades have witnessed the emergence of three zoonotic coronaviruses which have jumped species to cause lethal disease in humans: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2. MERS-CoV emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and the origins of MERS-CoV are not fully understood. Genomic analysis indicates it originated in bats and transmitted to camels. Human-to-human transmission occurs in varying frequency, being highest in healthcare environment and to a lesser degree in the community and among family members. Several nosocomial outbreaks of human-to-human transmission have occurred, the largest in Riyadh and Jeddah in 2014 and South Korea in 2015. MERS-CoV remains a high-threat pathogen identified by World Health Organization as a priority pathogen because it causes severe disease that has a high mortality rate, epidemic potential, and no medical countermeasures. MERS-CoV has been identified in dromedaries in several countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. MERS-CoV-2 causes a wide range of clinical presentations, although the respiratory system is predominantly affected. There are no specific antiviral treatments, although recent trials indicate that combination antivirals may be useful in severely ill patients. Diagnosing MERS-CoV early and implementation infection control measures are critical to preventing hospital-associated outbreaks. Preventing MERS relies on avoiding unpasteurized or uncooked animal products, practicing safe hygiene habits in health care settings and around dromedaries, community education and awareness training for health workers, as well as implementing effective control measures. Effective vaccines for MERS-COV are urgently needed but still under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Infectious Disease, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziad A Memish
- Research and Innovation Centre, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection, University College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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5
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van Doremalen N, Letko M, Fischer RJ, Bushmaker T, Schulz J, Yinda CK, Seifert SN, Kim NJ, Hemida MG, Kayali G, Park WB, Perera RA, Tamin A, Thornburg NJ, Tong S, Queen K, van Kerkhove MD, Choi YK, Oh MD, Assiri AM, Peiris M, Gerber SI, Munster VJ. Surface‒Aerosol Stability and Pathogenicity of Diverse Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Strains, 2012‒2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:3052-3062. [PMID: 34808078 PMCID: PMC8632154 DOI: 10.3201/eid2712.210344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infects humans and dromedary camels and is responsible for an ongoing outbreak of severe respiratory illness in humans in the Middle East. Although some mutations found in camel-derived MERS-CoV strains have been characterized, most natural variation found across MERS-CoV isolates remains unstudied. We report on the environmental stability, replication kinetics, and pathogenicity of several diverse isolates of MERS-CoV, as well as isolates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, to serve as a basis of comparison with other stability studies. Although most MERS-CoV isolates had similar stability and pathogenicity in our experiments, the camel-derived isolate C/KSA/13 had reduced surface stability, and another camel isolate, C/BF/15, had reduced pathogenicity in a small animal model. These results suggest that although betacoronaviruses might have similar environmental stability profiles, individual variation can influence this phenotype, underscoring the need for continual global viral surveillance.
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6
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Ababneh MM, Lafi SQ, Abutarbush SM, Khalifeh MS, Hijazeen ZS, Ramadneh WA, Al Ameer MS, Abukhalifeh FY, Kutkut TA, Dodeen RA, El Masry I, von Dobschuetz S. Longitudinal and abattoir-based surveillance of MERS-CoV in camels in Jordan, 2018-2020. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08166. [PMID: 34703929 PMCID: PMC8526755 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To generate baseline information to help better understand the antibody kinetics and nasal shedding dynamics of MERS-CoV in camels in Jordan, a longitudinal surveillance study was conducted in two phases; phase 1 was between December, 2018 and January, 2019 and phase 2 between August and December 2020. In each phase, two camel herds were studied. These herds were located in Al-azraq and in Al-ramtha area and were named Al-azraq and Al-ramtha herds, respectively. The same camel herd of Al-zarqa area was sampled in both phases while two different camel herds, one in each phase, were sampled in Al-ramtha area. Blood and nasal swabs were collected from same selected animals in all visits to each herd in both phases. Additionally, nasal swabs and retropharyngeal lymph node tissue samples were collected from sixty-one camels slaughtered at Al-ramtha abattoir during phase 2 to enhance virus isolation opportunities and phylogenetic analysis. All sampled animals from Al-azraq camel herd were either borderline or seropositive on spike 1 based ELISA assay and negative on quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in both phases. In Al-ramtha camel herds, an unsteady pattern prevailed in animals' seropositivity in both phases and viral RNA was detected in all animals in the end of phase 1 and in one animal during phase 2. For the seroconversion, anti-MERS-CoV spike 1 antibodies were detected in two animals in phase 1 in the first collection only. While, in phase 2, intermittent seroconversion pattern was observed in several samples over time of collections that ended with all animals became seropositive in the last collection (after nineteen days from viral RNA detection). In addition, viral RNA was detected in nasal swabs of 3 slaughtered camels. Phylogenetic analysis of a partial fragment of spike 1 gene sequences of all MERS-CoV isolates clustered together with clade B of MERS-CoV. This cluster contains all MERS-CoV sequences obtained either from camels or human sources in the Arabian Peninsula indicating the continuous circulation of this clade also in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa M. Ababneh
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shawkat Q. Lafi
- Department of Animal Pathology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sameeh M. Abutarbush
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohamad S. Khalifeh
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Wafaa A. Ramadneh
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Amman, Jordan
| | - Maisa S. Al Ameer
- Jordan Ministry of Agriculture, Central Laboratory Department, Virology Section, Ministry of Agriculture, Amman, Jordan
| | - Fadia Y. Abukhalifeh
- Jordan Ministry of Agriculture, Central Laboratory Department, Virology Section, Ministry of Agriculture, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tamam A. Kutkut
- Jordan Ministry of Agriculture, Central Laboratory Department, Virology Section, Ministry of Agriculture, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rachel A. Dodeen
- Animal Quarantine Division, Veterinary and Animal Health Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ihab El Masry
- Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
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7
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Holloway P, Gibson M, van Doremalen N, Nash S, Holloway T, Letko M, Cardwell JM, Al Omari B, Al-Majali A, Abu-Basha E, Mangtani P, Munster VJ, Guitian J. Risk Factors for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection among Camel Populations, Southern Jordan, 2014-2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2301-2311. [PMID: 34423762 PMCID: PMC8386791 DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.203508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
After the first detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in camels in Jordan in 2013, we conducted 2 consecutive surveys in 2014–2015 and 2017–2018 investigating risk factors for MERS-CoV infection among camel populations in southern Jordan. Multivariate analysis to control for confounding demonstrated that borrowing of camels, particularly males, for breeding purposes was associated with increased MERS-CoV seroprevalence among receiving herds, suggesting a potential route of viral transmission between herds. Increasing age, herd size, and use of water troughs within herds were also associated with increased seroprevalence. Closed herd management practices were found to be protective. Future vaccination strategies among camel populations in Jordan could potentially prioritize breeding males, which are likely to be shared between herds. In addition, targeted management interventions with the potential to reduce transmission between herds should be considered; voluntary closed herd schemes offer a possible route to achieving disease-free herds.
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8
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Alnuqaydan AM, Almutary AG, Sukamaran A, Yang BTW, Lee XT, Lim WX, Ng YM, Ibrahim R, Darmarajan T, Nanjappan S, Chellian J, Candasamy M, Madheswaran T, Sharma A, Dureja H, Prasher P, Verma N, Kumar D, Palaniveloo K, Bisht D, Gupta G, Madan JR, Singh SK, Jha NK, Dua K, Chellappan DK. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Virus-Pathophysiological Axis and the Current Treatment Strategies. AAPS PharmSciTech 2021; 22:173. [PMID: 34105037 PMCID: PMC8186825 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-02062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a lethal respiratory disease with its first case reported back in 2012 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). It is a novel, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA beta coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that was isolated from a patient who died from a severe respiratory illness. Later, it was found that this patient was infected with MERS. MERS is endemic to countries in the Middle East regions, such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. It has been reported that the MERS virus originated from bats and dromedary camels, the natural hosts of MERS-CoV. The transmission of the virus to humans has been thought to be either direct or indirect. Few camel-to-human transmissions were reported earlier. However, the mode of transmission of how the virus affects humans remains unanswered. Moreover, outbreaks in either family-based or hospital-based settings were observed with high mortality rates, especially in individuals who did not receive proper management or those with underlying comorbidities, such as diabetes and renal failure. Since then, there have been numerous reports hypothesising complications in fatal cases of MERS. Over the years, various diagnostic methods, treatment strategies and preventive measures have been strategised in containing the MERS infection. Evidence from multiple sources implicated that no treatment options and vaccines have been developed in specific, for the direct management of MERS-CoV infection. Nevertheless, there are supportive measures outlined in response to symptom-related management. Health authorities should stress more on infection and prevention control measures, to ensure that MERS remains as a low-level threat to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah M Alnuqaydan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arulmalar Sukamaran
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Brian Tay Wei Yang
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Xiao Ting Lee
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Xuan Lim
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Min Ng
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rania Ibrahim
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thiviya Darmarajan
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Satheeshkumar Nanjappan
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER-Kolkata), Chunilal Bhawan, Maniktala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
| | - Jestin Chellian
- Department of Life Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mayuren Candasamy
- Department of Life Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thiagarajan Madheswaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Knowledge Park, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
| | - Harish Dureja
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Parteek Prasher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Energy Acres, Dehradun, 248007, India
| | - Nitin Verma
- Chitkara University School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Atal Shiksha Kunj, Atal Nagar, Himachal Pradesh, 174103, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Kishneth Palaniveloo
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies Building, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dheeraj Bisht
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Bhimtal, Kumaun University Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263136, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India
| | - Jyotsana R Madan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Pharmacy, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar-Delhi G.T Road, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Limited Genetic Diversity Detected in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus Variants Circulating in Dromedary Camels in Jordan. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040592. [PMID: 33807288 PMCID: PMC8067259 DOI: 10.3390/v13040592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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10
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Khamassi Khbou M, Daaloul Jedidi M, Bouaicha Zaafouri F, Benzarti M. Coronaviruses in farm animals: Epidemiology and public health implications. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:322-347. [PMID: 32976707 PMCID: PMC7537542 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are documented in a wide range of animal species, including terrestrial and aquatic, domestic and wild. The geographic distribution of animal CoVs is worldwide and prevalences were reported in several countries across the five continents. The viruses are known to cause mainly gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases with different severity levels. In certain cases, CoV infections are responsible of huge economic losses associated or not to highly public health impact. Despite being enveloped, CoVs are relatively resistant pathogens in the environment. Coronaviruses are characterized by a high mutation and recombination rate, which makes host jumping and cross-species transmission easy. In fact, increasing contact between different animal species fosters cross-species transmission, while agriculture intensification, animal trade and herd management are key drivers at the human-animal interface. If contacts with wild animals are still limited, humans have much more contact with farm animals, during breeding, transport, slaughter and food process, making CoVs a persistent threat to both humans and animals. A global network should be established for the surveillance and monitoring of animal CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Médiha Khamassi Khbou
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonoses, and Sanitary RegulationUniv. Manouba. Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Monia Daaloul Jedidi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniv. ManoubaEcole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Faten Bouaicha Zaafouri
- Department of Livestock Semiology and MedicineUniv. ManoubaEcole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - M’hammed Benzarti
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonoses, and Sanitary RegulationUniv. Manouba. Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetSidi ThabetTunisia
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11
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van Doremalen N, Letko M, Fischer RJ, Bushmaker T, Yinda CK, Schulz J, Seifert SN, Kim NJ, Hemida MG, Kayali G, Park WB, Perera RAPM, Tamin A, Thornburg NJ, Tong S, Queen K, van Kerkhove MD, Choi YK, Oh MD, Assiri AM, Peiris M, Gerber SI, Munster VJ. Surface-aerosol stability and pathogenicity of diverse MERS-CoV strains from 2012 - 2018. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.02.11.429193. [PMID: 33594367 PMCID: PMC7885919 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.11.429193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a coronavirus that infects both humans and dromedary camels and is responsible for an ongoing outbreak of severe respiratory illness in humans in the Middle East. While some mutations found in camel-derived MERS-CoV strains have been characterized, the majority of natural variation found across MERS-CoV isolates remains unstudied. Here we report on the environmental stability, replication kinetics and pathogenicity of several diverse isolates of MERS-CoV as well as SARS-CoV-2 to serve as a basis of comparison with other stability studies. While most of the MERS-CoV isolates exhibited similar stability and pathogenicity in our experiments, the camel derived isolate, C/KSA/13, exhibited reduced surface stability while another camel isolate, C/BF/15, had reduced pathogenicity in a small animal model. These results suggest that while betacoronaviruses may have similar environmental stability profiles, individual variation can influence this phenotype, underscoring the importance of continual, global viral surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeltje van Doremalen
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Michael Letko
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99111, USA
- Corresponding author: Dr. Michael Letko, Paul G. Allen School of Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, Tel: (509) 335-4058,
| | - Robert J. Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Trenton Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Claude Kwe Yinda
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Jonathan Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Stephanie N. Seifert
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99111, USA
| | - Nam Joong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Maged G Hemida
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ghazi Kayali
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Wan Beom Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Azaibi Tamin
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Natalie J. Thornburg
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suxiang Tong
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Krista Queen
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maria D. van Kerkhove
- Department of Infectious Hazards Management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Young Ki Choi
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju City, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-don Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- Infection Prevention and Control, Assistant Deputy Minister, Preventive Health, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, University of Hong-Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susan I. Gerber
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vincent J. Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
- Corresponding author: Dr. Michael Letko, Paul G. Allen School of Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, Tel: (509) 335-4058,
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12
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AL-Eitan LN, Tarkhan AH, Alghamdi MA, Marston DA, Wu G, McElhinney LM, Brown IH, Fooks AR. Bat-Borne Coronaviruses in Jordan and Saudi Arabia: A Threat to Public Health? Viruses 2020; 12:E1413. [PMID: 33316899 PMCID: PMC7764733 DOI: 10.3390/v12121413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are of great concern to public health, as highlighted by the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Such diseases are of particular danger during mass gathering and mass influx events, as large crowds of people in close proximity to each other creates optimal opportunities for disease transmission. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are two countries that have witnessed mass gatherings due to the arrival of Syrian refugees and the annual Hajj season. The mass migration of people not only brings exotic diseases to these regions but also brings new diseases back to their own countries, e.g., the outbreak of MERS in South Korea. Many emerging pathogens originate in bats, and more than 30 bat species have been identified in these two countries. Some of those bat species are known to carry viruses that cause deadly diseases in other parts of the world, such as the rabies virus and coronaviruses. However, little is known about bats and the pathogens they carry in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Here, the importance of enhanced surveillance of bat-borne infections in Jordan and Saudi Arabia is emphasized, promoting the awareness of bat-borne diseases among the general public and building up infrastructure and capability to fill the gaps in public health preparedness to prevent future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith N. AL-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Amneh H. Tarkhan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Mansour A. Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Denise A. Marston
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Guanghui Wu
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Lorraine M. McElhinney
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
| | - Anthony R. Fooks
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, Weybridge), Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (D.A.M.); (G.W.); (L.M.M.); (I.H.B.); (A.R.F.)
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13
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Bold D, van Doremalen N, Myagmarsuren O, Zayat B, Munster VJ, Richt JA. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus Seropositive Bactrian Camels, Mongolia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 21:128-131. [PMID: 33197370 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic disease that was first identified in humans in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV causes acute and severe respiratory disease in humans. The mortality rate of MERS in humans is ∼35% and >800 deaths have been reported globally as of August 2020. Dromedary camels are a natural host of the virus and the source of zoonotic human infection. In experimental studies, Bactrian camels are susceptible to MERS-CoV infection similar to dromedary camels; however, neither the virus, viral RNA, nor virus-specific antibodies were detected in Bactrian camel field samples so far. The aim of our study was to survey Mongolian camels for MERS-CoV-specific antibodies. A total of 180 camel sera, collected in 2016 and 2017, were involved in this survey: 17 of 180 sera were seropositive with an initial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test performed at the State Central Veterinary Laboratory in Mongolia. These 17 positive sera plus 53 additional negative sera were sent to the Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID/NIH, and tested for the presence of antibodies with a similar ELISA, an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and a virus neutralization test (VNT). In these additional tests, a total of 21 of 70 sera were positive with ELISA and 10 sera were positive with IFA; however, none was positive in the VNT. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the ELISA/IFA-positive antibodies are (1) non-neutralizing antibodies or (2) directed against a MERS-CoV-like virus circulating in Bactrian camels in Mongolia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashzeveg Bold
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Neeltje van Doremalen
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | | | - Batsukh Zayat
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Vincent J Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Juergen A Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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14
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Killerby ME, Biggs HM, Midgley CM, Gerber SI, Watson JT. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Transmission. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:191-198. [PMID: 31961300 PMCID: PMC6986839 DOI: 10.3201/eid2602.190697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection causes a spectrum of respiratory illness, from asymptomatic to mild to fatal. MERS-CoV is transmitted sporadically from dromedary camels to humans and occasionally through human-to-human contact. Current epidemiologic evidence supports a major role in transmission for direct contact with live camels or humans with symptomatic MERS, but little evidence suggests the possibility of transmission from camel products or asymptomatic MERS cases. Because a proportion of case-patients do not report direct contact with camels or with persons who have symptomatic MERS, further research is needed to conclusively determine additional mechanisms of transmission, to inform public health practice, and to refine current precautionary recommendations.
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15
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Munster VJ, Feldmann F, Williamson BN, van Doremalen N, Pérez-Pérez L, Schulz J, Meade-White K, Okumura A, Callison J, Brumbaugh B, Avanzato VA, Rosenke R, Hanley PW, Saturday G, Scott D, Fischer ER, de Wit E. Respiratory disease in rhesus macaques inoculated with SARS-CoV-2. Nature 2020; 585:268-272. [PMID: 32396922 PMCID: PMC7486227 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2324-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 533] [Impact Index Per Article: 133.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by a novel coronavirus (named SARS-CoV-2) and has a case fatality rate of approximately 2%, started in Wuhan (China) in December 20191,2. Following an unprecedented global spread3, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020. Although data on COVID-19 in humans are emerging at a steady pace, some aspects of the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 can be studied in detail only in animal models, in which repeated sampling and tissue collection is possible. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 causes a respiratory disease in rhesus macaques that lasts between 8 and 16 days. Pulmonary infiltrates, which are a hallmark of COVID-19 in humans, were visible in lung radiographs. We detected high viral loads in swabs from the nose and throat of all of the macaques, as well as in bronchoalveolar lavages; in one macaque, we observed prolonged rectal shedding. Together, the rhesus macaque recapitulates the moderate disease that has been observed in the majority of human cases of COVID-19. The establishment of the rhesus macaque as a model of COVID-19 will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease, and aid in the development and testing of medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Friederike Feldmann
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Brandi N Williamson
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Neeltje van Doremalen
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Lizzette Pérez-Pérez
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jonathan Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Atsushi Okumura
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Julie Callison
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Beniah Brumbaugh
- Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Victoria A Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Rebecca Rosenke
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Patrick W Hanley
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Greg Saturday
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Dana Scott
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Fischer
- Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Emmie de Wit
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA.
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16
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Hashem AM, Algaissi A, Agrawal AS, Al-Amri SS, Alhabbab RY, Sohrab SS, S Almasoud A, Alharbi NK, Peng BH, Russell M, Li X, Tseng CTK. A Highly Immunogenic, Protective, and Safe Adenovirus-Based Vaccine Expressing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus S1-CD40L Fusion Protein in a Transgenic Human Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Mouse Model. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1558-1567. [PMID: 30911758 PMCID: PMC7107499 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection control measures have played a major role in limiting human/camel-to-human transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV); however, development of effective and safe human or camel vaccines is warranted. Methods We extended and optimized our previous recombinant adenovirus 5 (rAd5)–based vaccine platform characterized by in vivo amplified and CD40-mediated specific responses to generate MERS-CoV S1 subunit-based vaccine. We generated rAd5 constructs expressing CD40-targeted S1 fusion protein (rAd5-S1/F/CD40L), untargeted S1 (rAd5-S1), and Green Fluorescent Protein (rAd5-GFP), and evaluated their efficacy and safety in human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 transgenic (hDPP4 Tg+) mice. Results Immunization of hDPP4 Tg+ mice with a single dose of rAd5-S1/F/CD40L elicited as robust and significant specific immunoglobulin G and neutralizing antibodies as those induced with 2 doses of rAd5-S1. After MERS-CoV challenge, both vaccines conferred complete protection against morbidity and mortality, as evidenced by significantly undetectable/reduced pulmonary viral loads compared to the control group. However, rAd5-S1– but not rAd5-S1/F/CD40L–immunized mice exhibited marked pulmonary perivascular hemorrhage post–MERS-CoV challenge despite the observed protection. Conclusions Incorporation of CD40L into rAd5-based MERS-CoV S1 vaccine targeting molecule and molecular adjuvants not only enhances immunogenicity and efficacy but also prevents inadvertent pulmonary pathology after viral challenge, thereby offering a promising strategy to enhance safety and potency of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar M Hashem
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine.,Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia.,Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.,Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University
| | | | - Sawsan S Al-Amri
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia.,Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowa Y Alhabbab
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia.,Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah
| | - Sayed S Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman S Almasoud
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Khalaf Alharbi
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bi-Hung Peng
- Department of Neurosciences, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Marsha Russell
- Center for Vaccine Evaluation, Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Xuguang Li
- Center for Vaccine Evaluation, Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Chien-Te K Tseng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.,Center of Biodefense and Emerging Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
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17
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Global status of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in dromedary camels: a systematic review. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 147:e84. [PMID: 30869000 PMCID: PMC6518605 DOI: 10.1017/s095026881800345x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dromedary camels have been shown to be the main reservoir for human Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) infections. This systematic review aims to compile and analyse all published data on MERS-coronavirus (CoV) in the global camel population to provide an overview of current knowledge on the distribution, spread and risk factors of infections in dromedary camels. We included original research articles containing laboratory evidence of MERS-CoV infections in dromedary camels in the field from 2013 to April 2018. In general, camels only show minor clinical signs of disease after being infected with MERS-CoV. Serological evidence of MERS-CoV in camels has been found in 20 countries, with molecular evidence for virus circulation in 13 countries. The seroprevalence of MERS-CoV antibodies increases with age in camels, while the prevalence of viral shedding as determined by MERS-CoV RNA detection in nasal swabs decreases. In several studies, camels that were sampled at animal markets or quarantine facilities were seropositive more often than camels at farms as well as imported camels vs. locally bred camels. Some studies show a relatively higher seroprevalence and viral detection during the cooler winter months. Knowledge of the animal reservoir of MERS-CoV is essential to develop intervention and control measures to prevent human infections.
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18
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Munster VJ, Feldmann F, Williamson BN, van Doremalen N, Pérez-Pérez L, Schulz J, Meade-White K, Okumura A, Callison J, Brumbaugh B, Avanzato VA, Rosenke R, Hanley PW, Saturday G, Scott D, Fischer ER, de Wit E. Respiratory disease and virus shedding in rhesus macaques inoculated with SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.03.21.001628. [PMID: 32511299 PMCID: PMC7217148 DOI: 10.1101/2020.03.21.001628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
An outbreak of a novel coronavirus, now named SARS-CoV-2, causing respiratory disease and a ~2% case fatality rate started in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Following unprecedented rapid global spread, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Although data on disease in humans are emerging at a steady pace, certain aspects of the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 can only be studied in detail in animal models, where repeated sampling and tissue collection is possible. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 causes respiratory disease in infected rhesus macaques, with disease lasting 8-16 days. Pulmonary infiltrates, a hallmark of human disease, were visible in lung radiographs of all animals. High viral loads were detected in swabs from the nose and throat of all animals as well as in bronchoalveolar lavages; in one animal we observed prolonged rectal shedding. Taken together, the rhesus macaque recapitulates moderate disease observed in the majority of human cases. The establishment of the rhesus macaque as a model of COVID-19 will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and will aid development and testing of medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J. Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Friederike Feldmann
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Brandi N. Williamson
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Neeltje van Doremalen
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Lizzette Pérez-Pérez
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Schulz
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Atsushi Okumura
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Julie Callison
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Beniah Brumbaugh
- Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Victoria A. Avanzato
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Rosenke
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Patrick W. Hanley
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Greg Saturday
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Dana Scott
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth R. Fischer
- Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Emmie de Wit
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
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Ramshaw RE, Letourneau ID, Hong AY, Hon J, Morgan JD, Osborne JCP, Shirude S, Van Kerkhove MD, Hay SI, Pigott DM. A database of geopositioned Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus occurrences. Sci Data 2019; 6:318. [PMID: 31836720 PMCID: PMC6911100 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-019-0330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As a World Health Organization Research and Development Blueprint priority pathogen, there is a need to better understand the geographic distribution of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and its potential to infect mammals and humans. This database documents cases of MERS-CoV globally, with specific attention paid to zoonotic transmission. An initial literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus; after screening articles according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 208 sources were selected for extraction and geo-positioning. Each MERS-CoV occurrence was assigned one of the following classifications based upon published contextual information: index, unspecified, secondary, mammal, environmental, or imported. In total, this database is comprised of 861 unique geo-positioned MERS-CoV occurrences. The purpose of this article is to share a collated MERS-CoV database and extraction protocol that can be utilized in future mapping efforts for both MERS-CoV and other infectious diseases. More broadly, it may also provide useful data for the development of targeted MERS-CoV surveillance, which would prove invaluable in preventing future zoonotic spillover. Measurement(s) | Middle East Respiratory Syndrome • geographic location | Technology Type(s) | digital curation | Factor Type(s) | geographic distribution of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) • year | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus | Sample Characteristic - Location | Earth (planet) |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11108801
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ramshaw
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ian D Letourneau
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Amy Y Hong
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Julia Hon
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Julia D Morgan
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Joshua C P Osborne
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shreya Shirude
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maria D Van Kerkhove
- Department of Infectious Hazards Management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simon I Hay
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - David M Pigott
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States. .,Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States.
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20
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Hashem AM, Algaissi A, Agrawal AS, Al-Amri SS, Alhabbab RY, Sohrab SS, S Almasoud A, Alharbi NK, Peng BH, Russell M, Li X, Tseng CTK. A Highly Immunogenic, Protective, and Safe Adenovirus-Based Vaccine Expressing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus S1-CD40L Fusion Protein in a Transgenic Human Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Mouse Model. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:1558-1567. [PMID: 30911758 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz13710.1093/infdis/jiz137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection control measures have played a major role in limiting human/camel-to-human transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV); however, development of effective and safe human or camel vaccines is warranted. METHODS We extended and optimized our previous recombinant adenovirus 5 (rAd5)-based vaccine platform characterized by in vivo amplified and CD40-mediated specific responses to generate MERS-CoV S1 subunit-based vaccine. We generated rAd5 constructs expressing CD40-targeted S1 fusion protein (rAd5-S1/F/CD40L), untargeted S1 (rAd5-S1), and Green Fluorescent Protein (rAd5-GFP), and evaluated their efficacy and safety in human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 transgenic (hDPP4 Tg+) mice. RESULTS Immunization of hDPP4 Tg+ mice with a single dose of rAd5-S1/F/CD40L elicited as robust and significant specific immunoglobulin G and neutralizing antibodies as those induced with 2 doses of rAd5-S1. After MERS-CoV challenge, both vaccines conferred complete protection against morbidity and mortality, as evidenced by significantly undetectable/reduced pulmonary viral loads compared to the control group. However, rAd5-S1- but not rAd5-S1/F/CD40L-immunized mice exhibited marked pulmonary perivascular hemorrhage post-MERS-CoV challenge despite the observed protection. CONCLUSIONS Incorporation of CD40L into rAd5-based MERS-CoV S1 vaccine targeting molecule and molecular adjuvants not only enhances immunogenicity and efficacy but also prevents inadvertent pulmonary pathology after viral challenge, thereby offering a promising strategy to enhance safety and potency of vaccines.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviruses, Human/genetics
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/genetics
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- CD40 Ligand/genetics
- CD40 Ligand/pharmacology
- Coronavirus Infections/immunology
- Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/genetics
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/metabolism
- Drug Carriers
- Genetic Vectors
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Lung/virology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Survival Analysis
- Vaccines, Subunit/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Subunit/genetics
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Viral Load
- Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar M Hashem
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University
| | | | - Sawsan S Al-Amri
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowa Y Alhabbab
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah
| | - Sayed S Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman S Almasoud
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Khalaf Alharbi
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bi-Hung Peng
- Department of Neurosciences, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Marsha Russell
- Center for Vaccine Evaluation, Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Xuguang Li
- Center for Vaccine Evaluation, Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Chien-Te K Tseng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
- Center of Biodefense and Emerging Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
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21
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Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic disease transmitted from dromedary camels to people, which can result in outbreaks with human-to-human transmission. Because it is a subclinical infection in camels, epidemiological measures other than prevalence are challenging to assess. This study estimated the force of infection (FOI) of MERS-CoV in camel populations from age-stratified serological data. A cross-sectional study of MERS-CoV was conducted in Kenya from July 2016 to July 2017. Seroprevalence was stratified into four age groups: <1, 1–2, 2–3 and >3 years old. Age-independent and age-dependent linear and quadratic generalised linear models were used to estimate FOI in pastoral and ranching camel herds. Models were compared based on computed AIC values. Among pastoral herds, the age-dependent quadratic FOI was the best fit model, while the age-independent FOI was the best fit for the ranching herd data. FOI provides an indirect estimate of infection risk, which is especially valuable where direct estimates of incidence and other measures of infection are challenging to obtain. The FOIs estimated in this study provide important insight about MERS-CoV dynamics in the reservoir species, and contribute to our understanding of the zoonotic risks of this important public health threat.
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22
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Kleine-Weber H, Pöhlmann S, Hoffmann M. Spike proteins of novel MERS-coronavirus isolates from North- and West-African dromedary camels mediate robust viral entry into human target cells. Virology 2019; 535:261-265. [PMID: 31357164 PMCID: PMC7112047 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The highly pathogenic Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-related coronavirus (CoV) is transmitted from dromedary camels, the natural reservoir, to humans. For at present unclear reasons, MERS cases have so far only been observed in the Arabian Peninsula, although MERS-CoV also circulates in African dromedary camels. A recent study showed that MERS-CoV found in North/West- (Morocco) and West-African (Burkina Faso and Nigeria) dromedary camels are genetically distinct from Arabian viruses and have reduced replicative capacity in human cells, potentially due to amino acid changes in one or more viral proteins. Here, we show that the spike (S) proteins of the prototypic Arabian MERS-CoV strain, human betacoronavirus 2c EMC/2012, and the above stated African MERS-CoV variants do not appreciably differ in expression, DPP4 binding and ability to drive entry into target cells. Thus, virus-host-interactions at the entry stage may not limit spread of North- and West-African MERS-CoV in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kleine-Weber
- Infection Biology Unit, Deutsches Primatenzentrum - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, Wilhelm-Weber-Str. 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection Biology Unit, Deutsches Primatenzentrum - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University Göttingen, Wilhelm-Weber-Str. 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Markus Hoffmann
- Infection Biology Unit, Deutsches Primatenzentrum - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Adney DR, Letko M, Ragan IK, Scott D, van Doremalen N, Bowen RA, Munster VJ. Bactrian camels shed large quantities of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) after experimental infection . Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:717-723. [PMID: 31119984 PMCID: PMC6534258 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1618687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In 2012, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged. To date, more than 2300 cases have been reported, with an approximate case fatality rate of 35%. Epidemiological investigations identified dromedary camels as the source of MERS-CoV zoonotic transmission and evidence of MERS-CoV circulation has been observed throughout the original range of distribution. Other new-world camelids, alpacas and llamas, are also susceptible to MERS-CoV infection. Currently, it is unknown whether Bactrian camels are susceptible to infection. The distribution of Bactrian camels overlaps partly with that of the dromedary camel in west and central Asia. The receptor for MERS-CoV, DPP4, of the Bactrian camel was 98.3% identical to the dromedary camel DPP4, and 100% identical for the 14 residues which interact with the MERS-CoV spike receptor. Upon intranasal inoculation with 107 plaque-forming units of MERS-CoV, animals developed a transient, primarily upper respiratory tract infection. Clinical signs of the MERS-CoV infection were benign, but shedding of large quantities of MERS-CoV from the URT was observed. These data are similar to infections reported with dromedary camel infections and indicate that Bactrians are susceptible to MERS-CoV and given their overlapping range are at risk of introduction and establishment of MERS-CoV within the Bactrian camel populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Adney
- a Department of Biomedical Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
| | - Michael Letko
- b Rocky Mountain Laboratories , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Hamilton , MT , USA
| | - Izabela K Ragan
- a Department of Biomedical Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
| | - Dana Scott
- b Rocky Mountain Laboratories , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Hamilton , MT , USA
| | - Neeltje van Doremalen
- b Rocky Mountain Laboratories , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Hamilton , MT , USA
| | - Richard A Bowen
- a Department of Biomedical Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
| | - Vincent J Munster
- b Rocky Mountain Laboratories , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Hamilton , MT , USA
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24
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Hemida MG. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and the One Health concept. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7556. [PMID: 31497405 PMCID: PMC6708572 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maged Gomaa Hemida
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hufuf, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Virology, faculty of veterinary medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
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25
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Some One Health based control strategies for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. One Health 2019; 8:100102. [PMID: 31485476 PMCID: PMC6715958 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2019.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) presents an ideal example for developing One Health concepts. Dromedary camels are the principal reservoir for the virus. Infected camels shed the virus in body secretions, particularly nasal discharges. MERS-CoV has the potential to remain active in the environment for some time under optimum conditions of temperature and humidity. This shedding sustains the virus in endemic communities and thus contact with camels is considered a major risk factor for human infection. Reducing virus shedding from camels will have a great positive impact on reducing the human risk of infection. Our main objective is to highlight the potential aspects of reducing virus shedding from camels to the environment, thereby reducing the possibility of human infection. We will focus on the potential roles of camel markets, camel shows, importation, transportation and grazing in the amplification and shedding of the virus, providing some novel concepts for the control approaches for the MERS-CoV.
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26
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Dighe A, Jombart T, Van Kerkhove MD, Ferguson N. A systematic review of MERS-CoV seroprevalence and RNA prevalence in dromedary camels: Implications for animal vaccination. Epidemics 2019; 29:100350. [PMID: 31201040 PMCID: PMC6899506 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2019.100350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most adult dromedaries in Africa and the Middle East have been infected with MERS-CoV. Seroprevalence increases with age, while active infection is more common in calves. Prevalence is higher at sites where different dromedary populations mix. Further study is needed to determine if prevalence of infection varies seasonally.
Human infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is driven by recurring dromedary-to-human spill-over events, leading decision-makers to consider dromedary vaccination. Dromedary vaccine candidates in the development pipeline are showing hopeful results, but gaps in our understanding of the epidemiology of MERS-CoV in dromedaries must be addressed to design and evaluate potential vaccination strategies. We aim to bring together existing measures of MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels to assess the distribution of infection, highlighting knowledge gaps and implications for animal vaccination. We systematically reviewed the published literature on MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science that reported seroprevalence and/or prevalence of active MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels from both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. 60 studies met our eligibility criteria. Qualitative syntheses determined that MERS-CoV seroprevalence increased with age up to 80–100% in adult dromedaries supporting geographically widespread endemicity of MERS-CoV in dromedaries in both the Arabian Peninsula and countries exporting dromedaries from Africa. The high prevalence of active infection measured in juveniles and at sites where dromedary populations mix should guide further investigation – particularly of dromedary movement – and inform vaccination strategy design and evaluation through mathematical modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Dighe
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary's Hospital, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom.
| | - Thibaut Jombart
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary's Hospital, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Maria D Van Kerkhove
- Department of Global Infectious Hazards Management, Health Emergencies Program, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Neil Ferguson
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary's Hospital, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom.
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27
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Widagdo W, Sooksawasdi Na Ayudhya S, Hundie GB, Haagmans BL. Host Determinants of MERS-CoV Transmission and Pathogenesis. Viruses 2019; 11:E280. [PMID: 30893947 PMCID: PMC6466079 DOI: 10.3390/v11030280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes respiratory infection in humans, ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. In dromedary camels, the virus only causes a mild infection but it spreads efficiently between animals. Differences in the behavior of the virus observed between individuals, as well as between humans and dromedary camels, highlight the role of host factors in MERS-CoV pathogenesis and transmission. One of these host factors, the MERS-CoV receptor dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), may be a critical determinant because it is variably expressed in MERS-CoV-susceptible species as well as in humans. This could partially explain inter- and intraspecies differences in the tropism, pathogenesis, and transmissibility of MERS-CoV. In this review, we explore the role of DPP4 and other host factors in MERS-CoV transmission and pathogenesis-such as sialic acids, host proteases, and interferons. Further characterization of these host determinants may potentially offer novel insights to develop intervention strategies to tackle ongoing outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Widagdo
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Gadissa B Hundie
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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28
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Adney DR, Wang L, van Doremalen N, Shi W, Zhang Y, Kong WP, Miller MR, Bushmaker T, Scott D, de Wit E, Modjarrad K, Petrovsky N, Graham BS, Bowen RA, Munster VJ. Efficacy of an Adjuvanted Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Spike Protein Vaccine in Dromedary Camels and Alpacas. Viruses 2019; 11:E212. [PMID: 30832356 PMCID: PMC6466352 DOI: 10.3390/v11030212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MERS-CoV is present in dromedary camels throughout the Middle East and Africa. Dromedary camels are the primary zoonotic reservoir for human infections. Interruption of the zoonotic transmission chain from camels to humans, therefore, may be an effective strategy to control the ongoing MERS-CoV outbreak. Here we show that vaccination with an adjuvanted MERS-CoV Spike protein subunit vaccine confers complete protection from MERS-CoV disease in alpaca and results in reduced and delayed viral shedding in the upper airways of dromedary camels. Protection in alpaca correlates with high serum neutralizing antibody titers. Lower titers of serum neutralizing antibodies correlate with delayed and significantly reduced shedding in the nasal turbinates of dromedary camels. Together, these data indicate that induction of robust neutralizing humoral immune responses by vaccination of naïve animals reduces shedding that potentially could diminish the risk of zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Adney
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| | - Lingshu Wang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Neeltje van Doremalen
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
| | - Wei Shi
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Wing-Pui Kong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Megan R Miller
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
| | - Trenton Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
| | - Dana Scott
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
| | - Emmie de Wit
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
| | - Kayvon Modjarrad
- Military HIV Research, Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- Flinders University and Vaxine Pty Ltd, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Barney S Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Richard A Bowen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| | - Vincent J Munster
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
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He L, Tai W, Li J, Chen Y, Gao Y, Li J, Sun S, Zhou Y, Du L, Zhao G. Enhanced Ability of Oligomeric Nanobodies Targeting MERS Coronavirus Receptor-Binding Domain. Viruses 2019; 11:v11020166. [PMID: 30791410 PMCID: PMC6410414 DOI: 10.3390/v11020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV), an infectious coronavirus first reported in 2012, has a mortality rate greater than 35%. Therapeutic antibodies are key tools for preventing and treating MERS-CoV infection, but to date no such agents have been approved for treatment of this virus. Nanobodies (Nbs) are camelid heavy chain variable domains with properties distinct from those of conventional antibodies and antibody fragments. We generated two oligomeric Nbs by linking two or three monomeric Nbs (Mono-Nbs) targeting the MERS-CoV receptor-binding domain (RBD), and compared their RBD-binding affinity, RBD⁻receptor binding inhibition, stability, and neutralizing and cross-neutralizing activity against MERS-CoV. Relative to Mono-Nb, dimeric Nb (Di-Nb) and trimeric Nb (Tri-Nb) had significantly greater ability to bind MERS-CoV RBD proteins with or without mutations in the RBD, thereby potently blocking RBD⁻MERS-CoV receptor binding. The engineered oligomeric Nbs were very stable under extreme conditions, including low or high pH, protease (pepsin), chaotropic denaturant (urea), and high temperature. Importantly, Di-Nb and Tri-Nb exerted significantly elevated broad-spectrum neutralizing activity against at least 19 human and camel MERS-CoV strains isolated in different countries and years. Overall, the engineered Nbs could be developed into effective therapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of MERS-CoV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei He
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Wanbo Tai
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Jiangfan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Yuehong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Yaning Gao
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Junfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Shihui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Yusen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Lanying Du
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Guangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
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MERS: Progress on the global response, remaining challenges and the way forward. Antiviral Res 2018; 159:35-44. [PMID: 30236531 PMCID: PMC7113883 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This article summarizes progress in research on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) since a FAO-OIE-WHO Global Technical Meeting held at WHO Headquarters in Geneva on 25-27 September 2017. The meeting reviewed the latest scientific findings and identified and prioritized the global activities necessary to prevent, manage and control the disease. Critical needs for research and technical guidance identified during the meeting have been used to update the WHO R&D MERS-CoV Roadmap for diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines and a broader public health research agenda. Since the 2017 meeting, progress has been made on several key actions in animal populations, at the animal/human interface and in human populations. This report also summarizes the latest scientific studies on MERS since 2017, including data from more than 50 research studies examining the presence of MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels.
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Conzade R, Grant R, Malik MR, Elkholy A, Elhakim M, Samhouri D, Ben Embarek PK, Van Kerkhove MD. Reported Direct and Indirect Contact with Dromedary Camels among Laboratory-Confirmed MERS-CoV Cases. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080425. [PMID: 30104551 PMCID: PMC6115845 DOI: 10.3390/v10080425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are now known to be the vertebrate animal reservoir that intermittently transmits the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) to humans. Yet, details as to the specific mechanism(s) of zoonotic transmission from dromedaries to humans remain unclear. The aim of this study was to describe direct and indirect contact with dromedaries among all cases, and then separately for primary, non-primary, and unclassified cases of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) between 1 January 2015 and 13 April 2018. We present any reported dromedary contact: direct, indirect, and type of indirect contact. Of all 1125 laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported to WHO during the time period, there were 348 (30.9%) primary cases, 455 (40.4%) non-primary cases, and 322 (28.6%) unclassified cases. Among primary cases, 191 (54.9%) reported contact with dromedaries: 164 (47.1%) reported direct contact, 155 (44.5%) reported indirect contact. Five (1.1%) non-primary cases also reported contact with dromedaries. Overall, unpasteurized milk was the most frequent type of dromedary product consumed. Among cases for whom exposure was systematically collected and reported to WHO, contact with dromedaries or dromedary products has played an important role in zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Conzade
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Institute of Epidemiology, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Rebecca Grant
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
- Institut Pasteur, Centre for Global Health Research and Education, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Mamunur Rahman Malik
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, 11371 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Amgad Elkholy
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, 11371 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Elhakim
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, 11371 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Dalia Samhouri
- Department of Country Preparedness and International Health Regulations, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, 11371 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Peter K Ben Embarek
- Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses, World Health Organization, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Maria D Van Kerkhove
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Six years have passed since Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a newly emerging infectious virus, was first reported in 2012. Although MERS-CoV has had a consistently high mortality rate in humans, no vaccines have been approved to prevent MERS-CoV infection in humans. MERS-CoV spike (S) protein is a key target for development of MERS vaccines. AREAS COVERED In this review, we illustrate the structure and function of S protein as a vaccine target, describe available animal models for evaluating MERS vaccines, and summarize recent progress on MERS-CoV S-based vaccines, focusing on their ability to elicit antibody and/or cellular immune responses, neutralizing antibodies, and protection against MERS-CoV infection in different models. Prospects for future MERS-CoV S-based vaccines are discussed. EXPERT COMMENTARY The majority of MERS vaccines under development are based on MERS-CoV S protein, including full-length S, S1, and receptor-binding domain (RBD). While it is essential to evaluate the safety of full-length S and S1-based MERS vaccines, further improvement of the efficacy of RBD-based vaccines using novel strategies would be necessary. Overall, this review provides informative guidance for designing and developing safe and effective MERS vaccines based on viral S protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusen Zhou
- a State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity , Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology , Beijing , China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- b Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center , New York , NY , USA.,c Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Medical Microbiology , Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Lanying Du
- b Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center , New York , NY , USA
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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus specific antibodies in naturally exposed Israeli llamas, alpacas and camels. One Health 2018; 5:65-68. [PMID: 29911167 PMCID: PMC6000904 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thus far, no human MERS-CoV infections have been reported from Israel. Evidence for the circulation of MERS-CoV in dromedaries has been reported from almost all the countries of the Middle East, except Israel. Therefore, we aimed to analyze MERS-CoV infection in Israeli camelids, sampled between 2012 and 2017. A total of 411 camels, 102 alpacas and 19 llamas' sera were tested for the presence of antibodies to MERS-CoV. Our findings indicate a lower MERS-CoV seropositivity among Israeli dromedaries than in the surrounding countries, and for the first time naturally infected llamas were identified. In addition, nasal swabs of 661 camels, alpacas and lamas, obtained from January 2015 to December 2017, were tested for the presence of MERS-CoV RNA. All nasal swabs were negative, indicating no evidence for MERS-CoV active circulation in these camelids during that time period.
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Yusof MF, Queen K, Eltahir YM, Paden CR, Al Hammadi ZMAH, Tao Y, Li Y, Khalafalla AI, Shi M, Zhang J, Mohamed MSAE, Abd Elaal Ahmed MH, Azeez IA, Bensalah OK, Eldahab ZS, Al Hosani FI, Gerber SI, Hall AJ, Tong S, Al Muhairi SS. Diversity of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronaviruses in 109 dromedary camels based on full-genome sequencing, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e101. [PMID: 29116217 PMCID: PMC5717090 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was identified on the Arabian Peninsula in 2012 and is still causing cases and outbreaks in the Middle East. When MERS-CoV was first identified, the closest related virus was in bats; however, it has since been recognized that dromedary camels serve as a virus reservoir and potential source for human infections. A total of 376 camels were screened for MERS-Cov at a live animal market in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. In all, 109 MERS-CoV-positive camels were detected in week 1, and a subset of positive camels were sampled again weeks 3 through 6. A total of 126 full and 3 nearly full genomes were obtained from 139 samples. Spike gene sequences were obtained from 5 of the 10 remaining samples. The camel MERS-CoV genomes from this study represent 3 known and 2 potentially new lineages within clade B. Within lineages, diversity of camel and human MERS-CoV sequences are intermixed. We identified sequences from market camels nearly identical to the previously reported 2015 German case who visited the market during his incubation period. We described 10 recombination events in the camel samples. The most frequent recombination breakpoint was the junctions between ORF1b and S. Evidence suggests MERS-CoV infection in humans results from continued introductions of distinct MERS-CoV lineages from camels. This hypothesis is supported by the camel MERS-CoV genomes sequenced in this study. Our study expands the known repertoire of camel MERS-CoVs circulating on the Arabian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Krista Queen
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities Fellow, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | - Clinton R Paden
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities Fellow, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | - Ying Tao
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Mang Shi
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jing Zhang
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- IHRC Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan I Gerber
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aron J Hall
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suxiang Tong
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Protective efficacy of a novel simian adenovirus vaccine against lethal MERS-CoV challenge in a transgenic human DPP4 mouse model. NPJ Vaccines 2017; 2:28. [PMID: 29263883 PMCID: PMC5643297 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-017-0029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel zoonotic virus that causes severe respiratory disease in humans with a case fatality rate close to 40%, but for which no vaccines are available. Here, we evaluated the utility of ChAdOx1, a promising replication-deficient simian adenovirus vaccine vector platform with an established safety profile in humans and dromedary camels, for MERS-CoV vaccine development. Using a transgenic lethal BALB/c MERS-CoV mouse model we showed that single dose intranasal or intramuscular immunisation with ChAdOx1 MERS, encoding full-length MERS-CoV Spike glycoprotein, is highly immunogenic and confers protection against lethal viral challenge. Immunogenicity and efficacy were comparable between immunisation routes. Together these data provide support for further evaluation of ChAdOx1 MERS vaccine in humans and dromedary camels, the animal reservoir of infection.
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Alharbi NK, Padron-Regalado E, Thompson CP, Kupke A, Wells D, Sloan MA, Grehan K, Temperton N, Lambe T, Warimwe G, Becker S, Hill AVS, Gilbert SC. ChAdOx1 and MVA based vaccine candidates against MERS-CoV elicit neutralising antibodies and cellular immune responses in mice. Vaccine 2017; 35:3780-3788. [PMID: 28579232 PMCID: PMC5516308 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Inserting tPA leader sequence enhanced humoral responses of ChAdOx1 MERS. ChAdOx1 MERS elicited cellular immunity and neutralising antibodies. ChAdOx1 MERS responses were boosted by MVA MERS. Immunogenicity of a single dose of ChAdOx1 MERS was equivalent to 2 doses of MVA MERS. In MVA, F11 promoter enhanced cellular, but not humoral, immunogenicity, comparing to mH5 promoter.
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has infected more than 1900 humans, since 2012. The syndrome ranges from asymptomatic and mild cases to severe pneumonia and death. The virus is believed to be circulating in dromedary camels without notable symptoms since the 1980s. Therefore, dromedary camels are considered the only animal source of infection. Neither antiviral drugs nor vaccines are approved for veterinary or medical use despite active research on this area. Here, we developed four vaccine candidates against MERS-CoV based on ChAdOx1 and MVA viral vectors, two candidates per vector. All vaccines contained the full-length spike gene of MERS-CoV; ChAdOx1 MERS vaccines were produced with or without the leader sequence of the human tissue plasminogen activator gene (tPA) where MVA MERS vaccines were produced with tPA, but either the mH5 or F11 promoter driving expression of the spike gene. All vaccine candidates were evaluated in a mouse model in prime only or prime-boost regimens. ChAdOx1 MERS with tPA induced higher neutralising antibodies than ChAdOx1 MERS without tPA. A single dose of ChAdOx1 MERS with tPA elicited cellular immune responses as well as neutralising antibodies that were boosted to a significantly higher level by MVA MERS. The humoral immunogenicity of a single dose of ChAdOx1 MERS with tPA was equivalent to two doses of MVA MERS (also with tPA). MVA MERS with mH5 or F11 promoter induced similar antibody levels; however, F11 promoter enhanced the cellular immunogenicity of MVA MERS to significantly higher magnitudes. In conclusion, our study showed that MERS-CoV vaccine candidates could be optimized by utilising different viral vectors, various genetic designs of the vectors, or different regimens to increase immunogenicity. ChAdOx1 and MVA vectored vaccines have been safely evaluated in camels and humans and these MERS vaccine candidates should now be tested in camels and in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif Khalaf Alharbi
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Craig P Thompson
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexandra Kupke
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, TTU Emerging Infections, Germany
| | - Daniel Wells
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Megan A Sloan
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Keith Grehan
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Teresa Lambe
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - George Warimwe
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, TTU Emerging Infections, Germany
| | - Adrian V S Hill
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Sarah C Gilbert
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
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