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Ogoti BM, Riitho V, Wildemann J, Mutono N, Tesch J, Rodon J, Harichandran K, Emanuel J, Möncke-Buchner E, Kiambi S, Oyugi J, Mureithi M, Corman VM, Drosten C, Thumbi SM, Müller MA. Biphasic MERS-CoV Incidence in Nomadic Dromedaries with Putative Transmission to Humans, Kenya, 2022-2023. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:581-585. [PMID: 38407189 PMCID: PMC10902546 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231488] [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] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is endemic in dromedaries in Africa, but camel-to-human transmission is limited. Sustained 12-month sampling of dromedaries in a Kenya abattoir hub showed biphasic MERS-CoV incidence; peak detections occurred in October 2022 and February 2023. Dromedary-exposed abattoir workers (7/48) had serologic signs of previous MERS-CoV exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nyamai Mutono
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Julia Tesch
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Jordi Rodon
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Kaneemozhe Harichandran
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Jackson Emanuel
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Elisabeth Möncke-Buchner
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Stella Kiambi
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Julius Oyugi
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Marianne Mureithi
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Victor M. Corman
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
| | - Christian Drosten
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya (B.M. Ogoti, V. Riitho, N. Mutono, J. Oyugi, M. Mureithi, S.M. Thumbi)
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (V. Riitho)
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (J. Wildemann, J. Tesch, J. Rodon, K. Harichandran, J. Emanuel, E. Möncke-Buchner, V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA (N. Mutono, S.M. Thumbi)
- Food and Agriculture Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (S. Kiambi)
- Labor Berlin–Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin (V.M. Corman)
- German Center for Infection Research, Berlin (V.M. Corman, C. Drosten, M.A. Müller)
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (S.M. Thumbi)
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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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AL-Taee HSR, Sekhi AA, Gharban HAJ, Biati HMA. Serological identification of MERS-CoV in camels of Wasit province, Iraq. Open Vet J 2023; 13:1283-1289. [PMID: 38027406 PMCID: PMC10658013 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i10.7] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since the first human case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) caused by Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, several evidence bases have shown one-humped camels as the main reservoir host, from which infection is transmitted to humans. Aim Serological investigation of MERS in dromedary camels in Wasit province (Iraq), detection severity of infection, and association to some risk factors. Methods A total of 455 dromedary camels were selected randomly from two main districts in Wasit province, Iraq, during January and April (2023). Sera of all study camels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and titers of positive study animals were categorized according to their severity. Results Serological testing yielded 37.58% positive animals for MERS infection. According to the severity of positive ODs (titer), a total of 53.22%, 30.99%, 12.28%, and 3.51% showed mild, moderate, strong, and very strong infections, respectively. Regarding risk factors, significant elevation in seropositivity was seen in camels of >3-6 and >6 years old and reduced in camels of £3 years old with an elevated risk of MERS with increased age. Regionally, seropositivity and relative risk were increased in the camels of Shaykh Sa'd when compared with Al-Numaniyah. Regarding sex, no significant variation was detected between seropositive females and males; however, male camels appeared at higher risk than females. Association between the severity of MERS infection and risk factors revealed that there was a significant increase in mild and moderate infections in female camels of >6 years old; whereas strong and very strong infections were seen in male camels of 33-6 years old. Mild and very strong infections were recorded in Shaykh Sa'd; while moderate and strong infections in Al-Numaniyah. Conclusion The study indicated a longstanding existence of MERS-CoV in camels of Wasit province; therefore, recent infections or active viral excretion are required for confirmation by molecular approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala S. R. AL-Taee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wasit, Wasit, Iraq
| | - Azhar Ali Sekhi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
| | - Hasanain A. J. Gharban
- Department of Internal and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wasit, Wasit, Iraq
| | - Hussien M. A. Biati
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Wasit, Wasit, Iraq
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Meyer Zu Natrup C, Schünemann LM, Saletti G, Clever S, Herder V, Joseph S, Rodriguez M, Wernery U, Sutter G, Volz A. MERS-CoV‒Specific T-Cell Responses in Camels after Single MVA-MERS-S Vaccination. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1236-1239. [PMID: 37209676 PMCID: PMC10202854 DOI: 10.3201/eid2906.230128] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed an ELISPOT assay for evaluating Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)‒specific T-cell responses in dromedary camels. After single modified vaccinia virus Ankara-MERS-S vaccination, seropositive camels showed increased levels of MERS-CoV‒specific T cells and antibodies, indicating suitability of camel vaccinations in disease-endemic areas as a promising approach to control infection.
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Ngere I, Hunsperger EA, Tong S, Oyugi J, Jaoko W, Harcourt JL, Thornburg NJ, Oyas H, Muturi M, Osoro EM, Gachohi J, Ombok C, Dawa J, Tao Y, Zhang J, Mwasi L, Ochieng C, Mwatondo A, Bodha B, Langat D, Herman-Roloff A, Njenga MK, Widdowson MA, Munyua PM. Outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Camels and Probable Spillover Infection to Humans in Kenya. Viruses 2022; 14:1743. [PMID: 36016365 PMCID: PMC9413448 DOI: 10.3390/v14081743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of Kenya’s > 3 million camels have antibodies against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), although human infection in Africa is rare. We enrolled 243 camels aged 0−24 months from 33 homesteads in Northern Kenya and followed them between April 2018 to March 2020. We collected and tested camel nasal swabs for MERS-CoV RNA by RT-PCR followed by virus isolation and whole genome sequencing of positive samples. We also documented illnesses (respiratory or other) among the camels. Human camel handlers were also swabbed, screened for respiratory signs, and samples were tested for MERS-CoV by RT-PCR. We recorded 68 illnesses among 58 camels, of which 76.5% (52/68) were respiratory signs and the majority of illnesses (73.5% or 50/68) were recorded in 2019. Overall, 124/4692 (2.6%) camel swabs collected from 83 (34.2%) calves in 15 (45.5%) homesteads between April−September 2019 screened positive, while 22 calves (26.5%) recorded reinfections (second positive swab following ≥ 2 consecutive negative tests). Sequencing revealed a distinct Clade C2 virus that lacked the signature ORF4b deletions of other Clade C viruses. Three previously reported human PCR positive cases clustered with the camel infections in time and place, strongly suggesting sporadic transmission to humans during intense camel outbreaks in Northern Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Ngere
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, Nairobi P.O. Box 72938 00200, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676 00100, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Hunsperger
- Division of Global Health Protection, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Kenya, Nairobi P.O. Box 40241 00621, Kenya
| | - Suxiang Tong
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676 00100, Kenya
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676 00100, Kenya
| | - Jennifer L. Harcourt
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Natalie J. Thornburg
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Harry Oyas
- Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Nairobi P.O. Box 30028 00100, Kenya
| | - Mathew Muturi
- Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Nairobi P.O. Box 30028 00100, Kenya
- Dahlem Research School, Freie Universität Berlin, Kaiserswerther Str. 16-18, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Eric M. Osoro
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, Nairobi P.O. Box 72938 00200, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - John Gachohi
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, Nairobi P.O. Box 72938 00200, Kenya
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000 00200, Kenya
| | - Cynthia Ombok
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, Nairobi P.O. Box 72938 00200, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jeanette Dawa
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, Nairobi P.O. Box 72938 00200, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Ying Tao
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Lydia Mwasi
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840 00200, Kenya
| | - Caroline Ochieng
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840 00200, Kenya
| | - Athman Mwatondo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676 00100, Kenya
- Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi P.O. Box 30016 00100, Kenya
| | - Boku Bodha
- Department of Veterinary and Livestock, County Government of Marsabit, Marsabit 60500, Kenya
| | - Daniel Langat
- Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi P.O. Box 30016 00100, Kenya
| | - Amy Herman-Roloff
- Division of Global Health Protection, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Kenya, Nairobi P.O. Box 40241 00621, Kenya
| | - M. Kariuki Njenga
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, Nairobi P.O. Box 72938 00200, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Marc-Alain Widdowson
- Division of Global Health Protection, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Kenya, Nairobi P.O. Box 40241 00621, Kenya
| | - Peninah M. Munyua
- Division of Global Health Protection, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Kenya, Nairobi P.O. Box 40241 00621, Kenya
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Corman VM, Nagy P, Ostermann S, Arloth J, Liljander A, Barua R, Das Gupta A, Hakimuddin F, Juhasz J, Wernery U, Drosten C. Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 7 RNA and Antibody Kinetics in Naturally Infected Dromedary Calves, United Arab Emirates. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:2214-2217. [PMID: 32818408 PMCID: PMC7454054 DOI: 10.3201/eid2609.191758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthohepevirus A genotype 7 is a novel zoonotic variant of hepatitis E virus. To clarify infection in the animal reservoir, we virologically monitored 11 dromedary dam–calf pairs. All calves became infected during the first 6 months of life and cleared the virus after an average of 2 months. Dams did not become infected.
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Abstract
Camels are domesticated animals that are highly adapted to the extreme desert ecosystem with relatively higher resistance to a wide range of pathogens compared to many other species from the same geographical region. Recently, there has been increased interest in the field of camel immunology. As the progress in the analysis of camel immunoglobulins has previously been covered in many recent reviews, this review intends to summarize published findings related to camel cellular immunology with a focus on the phenotype and functionality of camel leukocyte subpopulations. The review also describes the impact of different physiological (age and pregnancy) and pathological (e.g. infection) conditions on camel immune cells. Despite the progress achieved in the field of camel immunology, there are gaps in our complete understanding of the camel immune system. Questions remain regarding innate recognition mechanisms, the functional characterization of antigen-presenting cells, and the characterization of camel NK and cytotoxic T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Hussen
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hans-Joachim Schuberth
- Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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8
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High MERS-CoV seropositivity associated with camel herd profile, husbandry practices and household socio-demographic characteristics in Northern Kenya. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 148:e292. [PMID: 33256863 PMCID: PMC7737118 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268820002939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite high exposure to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the predictors for seropositivity in the context of husbandry practices for camels in Eastern Africa are not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to describe the camel herd profile and determine the factors associated with MERS-CoV seropositivity in Northern Kenya. We enrolled 29 camel-owning households and administered questionnaires to collect herd and household data. Serum samples collected from 493 randomly selected camels were tested for anti-MERS-CoV antibodies using a microneutralisation assay, and regression analysis used to correlate herd and household characteristics with camel seropositivity. Households reared camels (median = 23 camels and IQR 16–56), and at least one other livestock species in two distinct herds; a home herd kept near homesteads, and a range/fora herd that resided far from the homestead. The overall MERS-CoV IgG seropositivity was 76.3%, with no statistically significant difference between home and fora herds. Significant predictors for seropositivity (P ⩽ 0.05) included camels 6–10 years old (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0–5.2), herds with ⩾25 camels (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.4) and camels from Gabra community (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.2). These results suggest high levels of virus transmission among camels, with potential for human infection.
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9
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El Sheikh AI, Almathen F, Hussen J. Investigation of total immunoglobulin G concentration, heavy chain antibody levels, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in female camels and their newborn calves. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:3863-3868. [PMID: 32996038 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02425-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Camels belong to a group of animals, where the structure of placenta does not allow intrauterine transfer of maternal immunoglobulins to the fetus and maternal immunity is exclusively transferred by colostrum to the newborn calf. There are few studies on the passive transfer of maternal immunity in the dromedary camel. This study determined total immunoglobulin G concentration, heavy chain antibody (HCAbs) levels, and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) in female camels and their newborn calves. For this, samples were collected from nine she-camels (blood and colostrum) and their calves (blood). IgG concentration and HCAb level were determined in mother serum and colostrum as well as in calf serum using ELISA. The NLR was calculated after the estimation of relative fractions of neutrophils and lymphocytes in collected blood samples using a blood cell analyzer. Both IgG and HCAbs were higher concentrated in camel colostrum than in mother serum. At parturition and before the first colostrum intake, calf serum did not contain any measurable concentration of IgG and only low levels of HCAbs. After colostrum consumption, a rise in IgG and HCAb levels was observed in calf serum. For total IgG, a minimum was reached on day 30 postnatum. While a significant increase in IgG concentration was seen on day 60 postnatum, no significant rise was measured in HCAbs at that age. Only post-colostrum IgG levels in calf serum correlated positively with IgG levels in mother colostrum. Directly after birth, newborn calves showed significantly higher NLR than their mothers. This indicates a pro-inflammatory nature of the calf immune response. The decrease of the NLR on day 60 postnatum may argue for the maturation of the calf immune response at this age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed I El Sheikh
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Almathen
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.,The Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal Hussen
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
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10
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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: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [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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11
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Alharbi NK, Ibrahim OH, Alhafufi A, Kasem S, Aldowerij A, Albrahim R, Abu-Obaidah A, Alkarar A, Bayoumi FA, Almansour AM, Aldubaib M, Al-Abdely HM, Balkhy HH, Qasim I. Challenge infection model for MERS-CoV based on naturally infected camels. Virol J 2020; 17:77. [PMID: 32552831 PMCID: PMC7298446 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01347-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging virus that infects humans and camels with no approved antiviral therapy or vaccine. Some vaccines are in development for camels as a one-health intervention where vaccinating camels is proposed to reduce human viral exposure. This intervention will require an understanding of the prior exposure of camels to the virus and appropriate vaccine efficacy studies in camels. Methods We conducted a cross sectional seroprevalence study in young dromedary camels to determine the rate of MERS-CoV seropositivity in young camels. Next, we utilised naturally infected camels as a natural challenge model that can be used by co-housing these camels with healthy naive camels in a ratio of 1 to 2. This model is aimed to support studies on natural virus transmission as well as evaluating drug and vaccine efficacy. Results We found that 90% of the screened camels have pre-existing antibodies for MERS-CoV. In addition, the challenge model resulted in MERS-CoV transmission within 48 h with infections that continued for 14 days post challenge. Conclusions Our finding suggests that the majority of young dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia are seropositive and that naturally infected camels can serve as a challenge model to assess transmission, therapeutics, and vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif Khalaf Alharbi
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Osman H Ibrahim
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alhafufi
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samy Kasem
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, El Geish Street, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Ali Aldowerij
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Albrahim
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Abu-Obaidah
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alkarar
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Musaad Aldubaib
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hail M Al-Abdely
- Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Internal Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan H Balkhy
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Qasim
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Tolah AM, AL Masaudi SB, El-Kafrawy SA, Mirza AA, Harakeh SM, Hassan AM, Alsaadi MA, Alzahrani AA, Alsaaidi GA, Amor NMS, Alagaili AN, Hashem AM, Azhar EI. Cross-sectional prevalence study of MERS-CoV in local and imported dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia, 2016-2018. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232790. [PMID: 32453746 PMCID: PMC7250453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an endemic virus in dromedaries. Annually, Saudi Arabia imports thousands of camels from the Horn of Africa, yet the epidemiology of MERS-CoV in these animals is largely unknown. Here, MERS-CoV prevalence was compared in imported African camels and their local counterparts. A total of 1399 paired sera and nasal swabs were collected from camels between 2016 and 2018. Imported animals from Sudan (n = 829) and Djibouti (n = 328) were sampled on incoming ships at Jeddah Islamic seaport before unloading, and local camels were sampled from Jeddah (n = 242). Samples were screened for neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and MERS-CoV viral RNA. The overall seroprevalence was 92.7% and RNA detection rate was 17.2%. Imported camels had higher seroprevalence compared to resident herds (93.8% vs 87.6%, p <0.01) in contrast to RNA detection (13.3% vs 35.5%, p <0.0001). Seroprevalence significantly increased with age (p<0.0001) and viral RNA detection rate was ~2-folds higher in camels <2-year-old compared to older animals. RNA detection was higher in males verses females (24.3% vs 12.6%, p<0.0001) but seroprevalence was similar. Concurrent positivity for viral RNA and nAbs was found in >87% of the RNA positive animals, increased with age and was sex-dependent. Importantly, reduced viral RNA load was positively correlated with nAb titers. Our data confirm the widespread of MERS-CoV in imported and domestic camels in Saudi Arabia and highlight the need for continuous active surveillance and better prevention measures. Further studies are also warranted to understand camels correlates of protection for proper vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Tolah
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biological Science, Faculty of science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad B. AL Masaudi
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biological Science, Faculty of science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif A. El-Kafrawy
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A. Mirza
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Steve M. Harakeh
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Hassan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Alsaadi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman A. Alzahrani
- Directorate of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghaleb A. Alsaaidi
- Directorate of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil M. S. Amor
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz N. Alagaili
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail: (AH); (EA)
| | - Esam I. Azhar
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail: (AH); (EA)
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13
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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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14
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Murakami S, Odagiri T, Melaku SK, Bazartseren B, Ishida H, Takenaka-Uema A, Muraki Y, Sentsui H, Horimoto T. Influenza D Virus Infection in Dromedary Camels, Ethiopia. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1224-1226. [PMID: 31107233 PMCID: PMC6537730 DOI: 10.3201/eid2506.181158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza D virus has been found to cause respiratory diseases in livestock. We surveyed healthy dromedary camels in Ethiopia and found a high seroprevalence for this virus, in contrast to animals co-existing with the camels. Our observation implies that dromedary camels may play an important role in the circulation of influenza D virus.
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15
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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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16
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El-Kafrawy SA, Corman VM, Tolah AM, Al Masaudi SB, Hassan AM, Müller MA, Bleicker T, Harakeh SM, Alzahrani AA, Alsaaidi GA, Alagili AN, Hashem AM, Zumla A, Drosten C, Azhar EI. Enzootic patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in imported African and local Arabian dromedary camels: a prospective genomic study. Lancet Planet Health 2019; 3:e521-e528. [PMID: 31843456 PMCID: PMC6926486 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(19)30243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a lethal zoonotic pathogen endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. Dromedary camels are a likely source of infection and the virus probably originated in Africa. We studied the genetic diversity, geographical structure, infection prevalence, and age-associated prevalence among camels at the largest entry port of camels from Africa into the Arabian Peninsula. METHODS In this prospective genomic study, we took nasal samples from camels imported from Sudan and Djibouti into the Port of Jeddah in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over an almost 2-year period and local Arabian camels over 2 months in the year after surveillance of the port. We determined the prevalence of MERS-CoV infection, age-associated patterns of infection, and undertook phylogeographical and migration analyses to determine intercountry virus transmission after local lineage establishment. We compared all virological characteristics between the local and imported cohorts. We compared major gene deletions between African and Arabian strains of the virus. Reproductive numbers were inferred with Bayesian birth death skyline analyses. FINDINGS Between Aug 10, 2016, and May 3, 2018, we collected samples from 1196 imported camels, of which 868 originated from Sudan and 328 from Djibouti, and between May 1, and June 25, 2018, we collected samples from 472 local camels, of which 189 were from Riyadh and 283 were from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Virus prevalence was higher in local camels than in imported camels (224 [47·5%] of 472 vs 157 [13·1%] of 1196; p<0·0001). Infection prevalence peaked among camels older than 1 year and aged up to 2 years in both groups, with 255 (66·9%) of 381 positive cases in this age group. Although the overall geographical distribution of the virus corresponded with the phylogenetic tree topology, some virus exchange was observed between countries corresponding with trade routes in the region. East and west African strains of the virus appear to be geographically separated, with an origin of west African strains in east Africa. African strains of the virus were not re-sampled in Saudi Arabia despite sampling approximately 1 year after importation from Africa. All local Arabian samples contained strains of the virus that belong to a novel recombinant clade (NRC) first detected in 2014 in Saudi Arabia. Reproduction number estimates informed by the sequences suggest sustained endemicity of NRC, with a mean Re of 1·16. INTERPRETATION Despite frequent imports of MERS-CoV with camels from Africa, African lineages of MERS-CoV do not establish themselves in Saudi Arabia. Arabian strains of the virus should be tested for changes in virulence and transmissibility. FUNDING German Ministry of Research and Education, EU Horizon 2020, and Emerging Diseases Clinical Trials Partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif A El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agent 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, Saudi Arabia
| | - Victor M Corman
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, associated partner Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ahmed M Tolah
- Special Infectious Agent Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biological Science, Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad B Al Masaudi
- Department of Biological Science, Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Special Infectious Agent Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marcel A Müller
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, associated partner Charité, Berlin, Germany; Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tobias Bleicker
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Steve M Harakeh
- Special Infectious Agent 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, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman A Alzahrani
- Directorate of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghaleb A Alsaaidi
- Directorate of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz N Alagili
- Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Special Infectious Agent Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Christian Drosten
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, associated partner Charité, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agent 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, Saudi Arabia.
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17
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Alharbi NK, Qasim I, Almasoud A, Aljami HA, Alenazi MW, Alhafufi A, Aldibasi OS, Hashem AM, Kasem S, Albrahim R, Aldubaib M, Almansour A, Temperton NJ, Kupke A, Becker S, Abu-Obaidah A, Alkarar A, Yoon IK, Azhar E, Lambe T, Bayoumi F, Aldowerij A, Ibrahim OH, Gilbert SC, Balkhy HH. Humoral Immunogenicity and Efficacy of a Single Dose of ChAdOx1 MERS Vaccine Candidate in Dromedary Camels. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16292. [PMID: 31705137 PMCID: PMC6841732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52730-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
MERS-CoV seronegative and seropositive camels received a single intramuscular dose of ChAdOx1 MERS, a replication-deficient adenoviral vectored vaccine expressing MERS-CoV spike protein, with further groups receiving control vaccinations. Infectious camels with active naturally acquired MERS-CoV infection, were co-housed with the vaccinated camels at a ratio of 1:2 (infected:vaccinated); nasal discharge and virus titres were monitored for 14 days. Overall, the vaccination reduced virus shedding and nasal discharge (p = 0.0059 and p = 0.0274, respectively). Antibody responses in seropositive camels were enhancedby the vaccine; these camels had a higher average age than seronegative. Older seronegative camels responded more strongly to vaccination than younger animals; and neutralising antibodies were detected in nasal swabs. Further work is required to optimise vaccine regimens for younger seronegative camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif Khalaf Alharbi
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ibrahim Qasim
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Almasoud
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haya A Aljami
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed W Alenazi
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alhafufi
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar S Aldibasi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samy Kasem
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, El Geish Street, 33516, Egypt
| | - Raed Albrahim
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaad Aldubaib
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Almansour
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nigel J Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Kupke
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gieβen-Marburg-Langen, Germany
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gieβen-Marburg-Langen, Germany
| | - Ali Abu-Obaidah
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alkarar
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - In-Kyu Yoon
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Esam Azhar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Teresa Lambe
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Faisal Bayoumi
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Aldowerij
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osman H Ibrahim
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah C Gilbert
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Hanan H Balkhy
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Lin Q, Chiu AP, Zhao S, He D. Modeling the spread of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Saudi Arabia. Stat Methods Med Res 2019; 27:1968-1978. [PMID: 29846148 DOI: 10.1177/0962280217746442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus has been persistent in the Middle East region since 2012. Abundant scientific evidence showed that dromedary camels are the primary host of the virus. Majority of human cases (i.e., 75% or 88%) are due to human-to-human transmission, while the others are due to camel-to-human transmission. Mathematical modeling of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus camel-to-camel transmission was lacking. Using the plug-and-play likelihood-based inference framework, we fitted a susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered-susceptible model of camels to the reported human cases with a constant proportion of human cases from camels (i.e., either 25% or 12%). We considered two scenarios: (i) the transmission rate among camels is time-varying with a constant spill-over rate from camels to human or (ii) the spill-over rate is time-varying with a constant transmission rate among camels. Our estimated loss-of-immunity rate and prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infections among camels largely matched with previous serological or virological studies, shedding light on this issue. We recommended including dromedary camels in animal surveillance and control of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Saudi Arabia which could help reduce their sporadic introductions to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Lin
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Alice Py Chiu
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Shi Zhao
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Daihai He
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (SAR), China
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19
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Kulcsar KA, Coleman CM, Beck SE, Frieman MB. Comorbid diabetes results in immune dysregulation and enhanced disease severity following MERS-CoV infection. JCI Insight 2019; 4:131774. [PMID: 31550243 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.131774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and has caused over 2400 cases and more than 800 deaths. Epidemiological studies identified diabetes as the primary comorbidity associated with severe or lethal MERS-CoV infection. Understanding how diabetes affects MERS is important because of the global burden of diabetes and pandemic potential of MERS-CoV. We used a model in which mice were made susceptible to MERS-CoV by expressing human DPP4, and type 2 diabetes was induced by administering a high-fat diet. Upon infection with MERS-CoV, diabetic mice had a prolonged phase of severe disease and delayed recovery that was independent of virus titers. Histological analysis revealed that diabetic mice had delayed inflammation, which was then prolonged through 21 days after infection. Diabetic mice had fewer inflammatory monocyte/macrophages and CD4+ T cells, which correlated with lower levels of Ccl2 and Cxcl10 expression. Diabetic mice also had lower levels of Tnfa, Il6, Il12b, and Arg1 expression and higher levels of Il17a expression. These data suggest that the increased disease severity observed in individuals with MERS and comorbid type 2 diabetes is likely due to a dysregulated immune response, which results in more severe and prolonged lung pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Kulcsar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher M Coleman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah E Beck
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew B Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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20
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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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21
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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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22
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Zhu S, Zimmerman D, Deem SL. A Review of Zoonotic Pathogens of Dromedary Camels. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:356-377. [PMID: 31140075 PMCID: PMC7087575 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Dromedary, or one-humped, camels Camelus dromedarius are an almost exclusively domesticated species that are common in arid areas as both beasts of burden and production animals for meat and milk. Currently, there are approximately 30 million dromedary camels, with highest numbers in Africa and the Middle East. The hardiness of camels in arid regions has made humans more dependent on them, especially as a stable protein source. Camels also carry and may transmit disease-causing agents to humans and other animals. The ability for camels to act as a point source or vector for disease is a concern due to increasing human demands for meat, lack of biosafety and biosecurity protocols in many regions, and a growth in the interface with wildlife as camel herds become sympatric with non-domestic species. We conducted a literature review of camel-borne zoonotic diseases and found that the majority of publications (65%) focused on Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), brucellosis, Echinococcus granulosus, and Rift Valley fever. The high fatality from MERS outbreaks during 2012-2016 elicited an immediate response from the research community as demonstrated by a surge of MERS-related publications. However, we contend that other camel-borne diseases such as Yersinia pestis, Coxiella burnetii, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever are just as important to include in surveillance efforts. Camel populations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, are increasing exponentially in response to prolonged droughts, and thus, the risk of zoonoses increases as well. In this review, we provide an overview of the major zoonotic diseases present in dromedary camels, their risk to humans, and recommendations to minimize spillover events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Zhu
- Graduate Group in Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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23
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Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV): Infection, Immunological Response, and Vaccine Development. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:6491738. [PMID: 31089478 PMCID: PMC6476043 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6491738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) first emerged in late 2012. Since its emergence, a total of 2279 patients from 27 countries have been infected across the globe according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report (Feb. 12th, 2019). Approximately 806 patients have died. The virus uses its spike proteins as adhesive factors that are proinflammatory for host entry through a specific receptor called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4). This receptor is considered a key factor in the signaling and activation of the acquired and innate immune responses in infected patients. Using potent antigens in combination with strong adjuvants may effectively trigger the activation of specific MERS-CoV cellular responses as well as the production of neutralizing antibodies. Unfortunately, to date, there is no effective approved treatment or vaccine for MERS-CoV. Thus, there are urgent needs for the development of novel MERS-CoV therapies as well as vaccines to help minimize the spread of the virus from infected patients, thereby mitigating the risk of any potential pandemics. Our main goals are to highlight and describe the current knowledge of both the innate and adaptive immune responses to MERS-CoV and the current state of MERS-CoV vaccine development. We believe this study will increase our understanding of the mechanisms that enhance the MERS-CoV immune response and subsequently contribute to the control of MERS-CoV infections.
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24
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Kiambi S, Corman VM, Sitawa R, Githinji J, Ngoci J, Ozomata AS, Gardner E, von Dobschuetz S, Morzaria S, Kimutai J, Schroeder S, Njagi O, Simpkin P, Rugalema G, Tadesse Z, Lubroth J, Makonnen Y, Drosten C, Müller MA, Fasina FO. Detection of distinct MERS-Coronavirus strains in dromedary camels from Kenya, 2017. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:195. [PMID: 30482895 PMCID: PMC6258726 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0193-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Kiambi
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Victor M Corman
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, associated partner Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rina Sitawa
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - James Ngoci
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Emma Gardner
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Subhash Morzaria
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Joshua Kimutai
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Simon Schroeder
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Piers Simpkin
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriel Rugalema
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Zelalem Tadesse
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Juan Lubroth
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Yilma Makonnen
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Drosten
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, associated partner Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel A Müller
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection Research, associated partner Charité, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Folorunso O Fasina
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
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25
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Gardner EG, Kelton D, Poljak Z, von Dobschuetz S, Greer AL. A rapid scoping review of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in animal hosts. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 66:35-46. [PMID: 30421581 PMCID: PMC7165840 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen discovered in 2012. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the empirical evidence for MERS‐CoV in animals in order to map knowledge gaps and to extract data for modelling disease transmission in dromedary camels. A review protocol was developed a priori, and a systematic search, data extraction and summary were conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Ninety‐nine publications were identified for full review out of 1,368 unique records. Of these publications, 71 were articles in scientific journals. Ninety of the studies were observational and the remaining nine were experimental. We summarize characteristics of animal studies including study design, study population and outcomes of interest for future transmission modelling in the reservoir population. The majority of field studies reported measures of prevalence, while experimental studies provided estimates of transmission parameters that pertain to the natural course of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Gardner
- University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Amy L Greer
- University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Harrath R, Abu Duhier FM. Sero-prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) specific antibodies in dromedary camels in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1285-1289. [PMID: 29663439 PMCID: PMC7166535 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is a novel Coronavirus which was responsible of the first case of human acute respiratory syndrome in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), 2012. Dromedary camels are considered as potential reservoirs for the virus and seem to be the only animal host which may transmit the infection to human. Further studies are required to better understand the animal sources of zoonotic transmission route and the risks of this infection. A primary sero‐prevalence study of MERS‐CoV preexisting neutralizing antibodies in Dromedary camel serum was conducted in Tabuk, western north region of KSA, in order to assess the seopositivity of these animals and to explain their possible role in the transmission of the infection to Human. One hundred seventy one (171) serum samples were collected from healthy dromedary camels with different ages and genders in Tabuk city and tested for specific serum IgG by ELISA using the receptor‐binding S1 subunits of spike proteins of MERS‐CoV. 144 (84,21%) of the total camel sera shown the presence of protein‐specific antibodies against MERS‐CoV. These results may provide evidence that MERS‐CoV has previously infected dromedary camels in Tabuk and may support the possible role of camels in the human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafik Harrath
- Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair (PFBSRC), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, KSA.,Laboratory of Communicable Diseases and Biologically Active Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Faisel M Abu Duhier
- Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair (PFBSRC), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, KSA
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27
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Sikkema RS, Farag EABA, Himatt S, Ibrahim AK, Al-Romaihi H, Al-Marri SA, Al-Thani M, El-Sayed AM, Al-Hajri M, Haagmans BL, Koopmans MPG, Reusken CBEM. Risk Factors for Primary Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection in Camel Workers in Qatar During 2013-2014: A Case-Control Study. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:1702-1705. [PMID: 28387845 PMCID: PMC7107360 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The transmission routes and risk factors for zoonotic Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections are still unknown. We used the World Health Organization questionnaire for MERS-CoV case-control studies to assess risk factors for human MERS-CoV seropositivity at a farm complex in Qatar. Nine camel workers with MERS-CoV antibodies and 43 workers without antibodies were included. Some camel-related activities may pose a higher risk of MERS-CoV infection, as may cross-border movements of camels, poor hand hygiene, and overnight hospital stays with respiratory complaints. The risk factors identified in this study can be used to develop infection prevention and control measures for human MERS-CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina S Sikkema
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center,Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bart L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center,Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marion P G Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center,Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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28
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Hemida MG, Alnaeem A, Chu DK, Perera RA, Chan SM, Almathen F, Yau E, Ng BC, Webby RJ, Poon LL, Peiris M. Longitudinal study of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus infection in dromedary camel herds in Saudi Arabia, 2014-2015. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017. [PMID: 28634355 PMCID: PMC5520318 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Two herds of dromedary camels were longitudinally sampled with nasal and rectal swabs and serum, between September 2014 and May 2015, and the samples were tested for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus RNA and antibodies. Evidence of MERS-CoV infection was confirmed in one herd on the basis of detection of virus RNA in nasal swabs from three camels and significant increases in the antibody titers from three others. The three viruses were genetically identical, thus indicating introduction of a single virus into this herd. There was evidence of reinfection of camels that were previously seropositive, thus suggesting that prior infection does not provide complete immunity from reinfection, a finding that is relevant to camel vaccination strategies as a means to prevent zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maged Gomaa Hemida
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Alhufuf, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Abdulmohsen Alnaeem
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Alhufuf, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniel Kw Chu
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Samuel Ms Chan
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Faisal Almathen
- Department of Public Health and Animal Welfare, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Alhufuf, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emily Yau
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Brian Cy Ng
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Richard J Webby
- Division of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Leo Lm Poon
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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29
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Widagdo W, Okba NM, Stalin Raj V, Haagmans BL. MERS-coronavirus: From discovery to intervention. One Health 2017; 3:11-16. [PMID: 28616497 PMCID: PMC5454172 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) still causes outbreaks despite public awareness and implementation of health care measures, such as rapid viral diagnosis and patient quarantine. Here we describe the current epidemiological picture of MERS-CoV, focusing on humans and animals affected by this virus and propose specific intervention strategies that would be appropriate to control MERS-CoV. One-third of MERS-CoV patients develop severe lower respiratory tract infection and succumb to a fatal outcome; these patients would require effective therapeutic antiviral therapy. Because of the lack of such intervention strategies, supportive care is the best that can be offered at the moment. Limiting viral spread from symptomatic human cases to health care workers and family members, on the other hand, could be achieved through prophylactic administration of MERS-CoV neutralizing antibodies and vaccines. To ultimately prevent spread of the virus into the human population, however, vaccination of dromedary camels - currently the only confirmed animal host for MERS-CoV - may be the best option to achieve a sustained drop in human MERS cases in time. In the end, a One Health approach combining all these different efforts is needed to tackle this zoonotic outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bart L. Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Miguel E, Chevalier V, Ayelet G, Ben Bencheikh MN, Boussini H, Chu DK, El Berbri I, Fassi-Fihri O, Faye B, Fekadu G, Grosbois V, Ng BC, Perera RA, So TY, Traore A, Roger F, Peiris M. Risk factors for MERS coronavirus infection in dromedary camels in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Morocco, 2015. Euro Surveill 2017; 22:30498. [PMID: 28382915 PMCID: PMC5388105 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.13.30498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) transmission in dromedary camels is important, as they consitute a source of zoonotic infection to humans. To identify risk factors for MERS-CoV infection in camels bred in diverse conditions in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Morocco, blood samples and nasal swabs were sampled in February-March 2015. A relatively high MERS-CoV RNA rate was detected in Ethiopia (up to 15.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.2-28.0), followed by Burkina Faso (up to 12.2%; 95% CI: 7-20.4) and Morocco (up to 7.6%; 95% CI: 1.9-26.1). The RNA detection rate was higher in camels bred for milk or meat than in camels for transport (p = 0.01) as well as in younger camels (p = 0.06). High seropositivity rates (up to 100%; 95% CI: 100-100 and 99.4%; 95% CI: 95.4-99.9) were found in Morocco and Ethiopia, followed by Burkina Faso (up to 84.6%; 95% CI: 77.2-89.9). Seropositivity rates were higher in large/medium herds (≥51 camels) than small herds (p = 0.061), in camels raised for meat or milk than for transport (p = 0.01), and in nomadic or sedentary herds than in herds with a mix of these lifestyles (p < 0.005).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Miguel
- Cirad UPR AGIRs, Montpellier, France
- UMR CNRS, IRD, UM, 5290 MIVEGEC, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Kw Chu
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bryan Cy Ng
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, China
| | - Ranawaka Apm Perera
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, China
| | - T Y So
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, China
| | | | | | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, China
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31
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Systematic, active surveillance for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in camels in Egypt. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e1. [PMID: 28050021 PMCID: PMC5285495 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe human infections and dromedary camels are considered an intermediary host. The dynamics of natural infection in camels are not well understood. Through systematic surveillance in Egypt, nasal, rectal, milk, urine and serum samples were collected from camels between June 2014 and February 2016. Locations included quarantines, markets, abattoirs, free-roaming herds and farmed breeding herds. The overall seroprevalence was 71% and RNA detection rate was 15%. Imported camels had higher seroprevalence (90% vs 61%) and higher RT-PCR detection rates (21% vs 12%) than locally raised camels. Juveniles had lower seroprevalence than adults (37% vs 82%) but similar RT-PCR detection rates (16% vs 15%). An outbreak in a breeding herd, showed that antibodies rapidly wane, that camels become re-infected, and that outbreaks in a herd are sustained for an extended time. Maternal antibodies titers were very low in calves regardless of the antibody titers of the mothers. Our results support the hypothesis that camels are a reservoir for MERS-CoV and that camel trade is an important route of introducing the virus into importing countries. Findings related to waning antibodies and re-infection have implications for camel vaccine development, disease management and zoonotic threat.
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van Doremalen N, Hijazeen ZSK, Holloway P, Al Omari B, McDowell C, Adney D, Talafha HA, Guitian J, Steel J, Amarin N, Tibbo M, Abu-Basha E, Al-Majali AM, Munster VJ, Richt JA. High Prevalence of Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus in Young Dromedary Camels in Jordan. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 17:155-159. [PMID: 28009529 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was determined in 45 dromedary camels from two geographically separated herds in Jordan. Virus shedding was only detected in swabs obtained from the respiratory tract and primarily observed in camels younger than 3 years. MERS-CoV seroprevalence increased with age of camels. Bovine and sheep sera were seronegative. Phylogenetic analysis of partial S2 clustered the Jordanian MERS-CoV strains with contemporary MERS-CoV strains associated with nosocomial outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeltje van Doremalen
- 1 Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Hamilton, Montana
| | | | - Peter Holloway
- 3 Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, The Royal Veterinary College , Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Bilal Al Omari
- 4 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid, Jordan
| | - Chester McDowell
- 5 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Danielle Adney
- 6 Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University , Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Hani A Talafha
- 4 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid, Jordan
| | - Javier Guitian
- 3 Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, The Royal Veterinary College , Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - John Steel
- 7 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nadim Amarin
- 8 Boehringer Ingelheim , MENA, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Markos Tibbo
- 9 FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa , Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ehab Abu-Basha
- 4 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad M Al-Majali
- 4 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid, Jordan
| | - Vincent J Munster
- 1 Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Hamilton, Montana
| | - Juergen A Richt
- 5 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
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Uyeki TM, Erlandson KJ, Korch G, O’Hara M, Wathen M, Hu-Primmer J, Hojvat S, Stemmy EJ, Donabedian A. Development of Medical Countermeasures to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:e160022. [PMID: 27191188 PMCID: PMC4918159 DOI: 10.3201/eid2207.160022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical development of and research on potential Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) medical countermeasures remain preliminary; advancements are needed before most countermeasures are ready to be tested in human clinical trials. Research priorities include standardization of animal models and virus stocks for studying disease pathogenesis and efficacy of medical countermeasures; development of MERS-CoV diagnostics; improved access to nonhuman primates to support preclinical research; studies to better understand and control MERS-CoV disease, including vaccination studies in camels; and development of a standardized clinical trial protocol. Partnering with clinical trial networks in affected countries to evaluate safety and efficacy of investigational therapeutics will strengthen efforts to identify successful medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl J. Erlandson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (T.M. Uyeki)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA (K.J. Erlandson, G. Korch, M. O’Hara, M. Wathen, J. Hu-Primmer, A. Donabedian)
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (S. Hojvat)
- National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA (E.J. Stemmy)
| | - George Korch
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (T.M. Uyeki)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA (K.J. Erlandson, G. Korch, M. O’Hara, M. Wathen, J. Hu-Primmer, A. Donabedian)
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (S. Hojvat)
- National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA (E.J. Stemmy)
| | - Michael O’Hara
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (T.M. Uyeki)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA (K.J. Erlandson, G. Korch, M. O’Hara, M. Wathen, J. Hu-Primmer, A. Donabedian)
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (S. Hojvat)
- National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA (E.J. Stemmy)
| | - Michael Wathen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (T.M. Uyeki)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA (K.J. Erlandson, G. Korch, M. O’Hara, M. Wathen, J. Hu-Primmer, A. Donabedian)
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (S. Hojvat)
- National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA (E.J. Stemmy)
| | - Jean Hu-Primmer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (T.M. Uyeki)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA (K.J. Erlandson, G. Korch, M. O’Hara, M. Wathen, J. Hu-Primmer, A. Donabedian)
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (S. Hojvat)
- National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA (E.J. Stemmy)
| | - Sally Hojvat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (T.M. Uyeki)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA (K.J. Erlandson, G. Korch, M. O’Hara, M. Wathen, J. Hu-Primmer, A. Donabedian)
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (S. Hojvat)
- National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA (E.J. Stemmy)
| | - Erik J. Stemmy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (T.M. Uyeki)
- Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA (K.J. Erlandson, G. Korch, M. O’Hara, M. Wathen, J. Hu-Primmer, A. Donabedian)
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA (S. Hojvat)
- National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA (E.J. Stemmy)
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