Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Research Articles

Modified streptavidin–biotin based lateral flow test strip for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen in saliva samples

Compared to other infectious diseases, for which LFT development can take years, SARS-CoV-2 antigen LFTS were developed and deployed within months. LFTS for antigen detection were adopted on an unprecedented scale during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many of them lack the sensitivity especially for samples with low viral load. In our previous work, we developed an enhanced signal strip for detection of SARS CoV-2 SI antigens in saliva. Here we introduce some modification to improve the sensitivity, and specificity, and to lower the cost of the strip, by using biotin streptavidin (BS) system. In the modified BS strip, gold-streptavidin and biotinylated Nanobodies (Nbs) against S1 antigen were externally mixed with the tested samples (saliva or nasopharyngeal swab) before their application on the sample pad of the test strip containing angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-2), as the capturing probe. The study included 320 individuals, with 180 being positively confirmed by RT-PCR and 140 confirmed negative, as well as, 45 health care workers, who were responsible for screening and handling of surgical cases in General Surgery Department and COVID clinic of TBRI. Our results proved that modified BS strip improved the overall sensitivity and specificity of S1antigen detection in saliva samples (95.21% and 99.29% respectively) compared to our previously developed enhanced LFTS (91.66% and 98.57% respectively). Also, the sensitivity of cases with Ct ≤ 30, Ct ≤\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\le$$\\end{document} 35, and Ct ≤\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\le$$\\end{document} 40 using the modified BS strip showed higher values (98.54%, 95.38%, and 88.89% respectively), compared to the corresponding results of our previously developed enhanced LFTS (95.86%, 92.31%, and 82.22% respectively). There were no cross-reactions with either Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV antigens. Furthermore, we found that the lower viral detection limit (LVD) of BS strip was obviously lower than our previous LVD limit of the enhanced LFTS (0.2 × 104 copies/ml vs. 0.4 × 104 copies/ml, respectively). Our developed BS strip showed that saliva samples gave better results than nasopharyngeal swabs of the same patients. The fact of using smaller amounts of Nbs, and ACE2, as well as the dispensing off of conjugate pad when applying BS strip modifications, justified the expected reduction in the costs of the strip. The implementation of BS strips on saliva samples of 45 health co-workers, who were tested 4 and 6 days after exposure to infection, showed an increase in the sensitivity, starting from the 4th day and reaching its highest level on the 6th day in both high risk and paramedic groups (90.9%, and 80.0%, respectively). This study provides evidence that employment of the modified BS system could increase the sensitivity of the strips, lower their cost, and render them an effective screening tool for early detection of the virus in saliva of suspected Covid-19 patients.

Recent Challenges and Opportunities on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS Cov)

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS CoV) is an extremely contagious viral illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS – CoV). Whats more disease is transmitted via respiratory droplets of infected patients during coughing or sneezing and affects primarily the lung parenchyma. Present work were focused on an update of recent challenges and opportunities on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome corona virus the discovery of this MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia and Jordan in 2012, the health threat increased all over the world. Most of the respiratory diseases in this danger came to the fore, the reason behind the occurrence of MERS CoV is an animal i.e. dromedari camel, due to which the virus spread to humans again and again. This viral domestication is a factor associated with zoonotic transmission, a transmission system within camels. This disease is rare in community joint family and group living together. The virus is also transmitted through direct contact with a health care worker, during the diagnosis of patients in hospitals, and care of patients. Its outbreak increased rapidly. There are many such viral infections and they affect the health facilities. Similarly, people affected by MERS CoV viral and pose a serious threat and methods of transmission of health related treatment used in prevention patients from this infection have been explained. Furthermore the global impact of this new epidemic is yet uncertain there is a need of some effective technologies and vaccines to protect from further attack.

Review on the epidemiology and its public health importance on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome corona virus

The Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Mers-Cov is a new zoonotic beta corona virus of the C lineage identified in dromedary camels in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that exhibits the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) receptor. It was first described in the Saudi Arabian kingdom of Saud in September of 2012, and worldwide in May of 2019. Camels are usually asymptomatic when afflicted. Unlike in camels, clinical signs and symptoms of MERS-CoV infection in humans range from asymptomatic or mild respiratory disease to severe respiratory illness and death. There is no pathognomonic manifestation in people or camels. Molecular and serologic tests are necessary to verify the diagnosis. There is presently no medication or vaccine available to treat or prevent MERS-CoV infection in humans. Strict restriction of camel movement, isolation of ill camels, camel handlers using personal protective equipment, and public awareness creation are all critical approaches for controlling MERS-CoV transmission, particularly among Ethiopian pastoralists who ingest unpasteurized camel milk. As a result, urgent epidemiological investigations are required, particularly in the nations' impoverished camel raising areas, to better understand the transmission patterns and human cases of MERS-CoV, as well as to guarantee that the aforementioned control measures are appropriately executed. As a result, the purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and public health implications of MERS-CoV in Ethiopia's highly exposed pastoralist community, which has intimate contact with camels, and to recommend the illness for further epidemiological monitoring and inquiry.

SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review

Viruses, which are incredibly tiny particles, are what give humans pandemic and epidemic diseases. Many viral infections have impacted human health throughout history, and epidemic and pandemic diseases have claimed many lives. Many viral infections, such as SARS, the Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus, Ebola, H1N1, and the current COVID-19, have affected people in this decade. Positive sense single-stranded RNA is present in SARS CoV2. The virus's structure is reminiscent of the Corona virus found in bats. SARS-CoV-2, which has its genesis in Wuhan, China's primary transportation hub, is the cause of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 spread globally from China. In 213 countries, 1.5 crore people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and 6.3 lakh of them have died. The primary symptoms include headache, dry cough, myalgia, difficulty breathing, and fever. Serological testing, RT-PCR, and CT-Scan imaging are used to diagnose this condition. Like SARS virus, SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to ACE2 receptors. The same medications used to treat SARS are also utilized to treat COVID-19 patients. Drugs like Remdesivir, Ritonavir-lopinavir, and Umifenovir work well to lower viral loads in patients. The vaccine is being prepared in numerous nations. The COVID-19 disease vaccines are being made by Oxford University (AZD1222), the USA (MRNA-1273), India (COVAXIN), and China (INO-4800). Since the vaccinations are still in the clinical trial stage, we are still waiting for an effective vaccine.

SARS-Cov-2 Family: Characteristics and Clinical Manifestation and Presentation of Covid – 19: Descriptive Minireview

Corona virus is not a single virus, but rather a large family of coronaviruses that cause disease in humans and animals. The severity of symptoms of infection with one of the types of coronavirus in humans ranges from the common cold to severe acute respiratory infection (SARS). The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus (MERS-CoV) was first discovered in April 2012, when it was not known to humans, and it was causing severe illness in people with it and the death of half of the cases of infection. With the emerging corona virus (19-COVID), which has led to the death of a large number of people and confused life in all countries of the world nearly 6 million people have died all over the world. The aim of this descriptive minireview, generally, is to shed light on the SARS-CoV-2 family : Characteristics and Clinical manifestation and presentation of Covid – 19

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19): A past and Present Prospective

Background: Corona virusis identified since 2002 and from seven strain severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus and middle east respiratory syndrome corona virus causes severity in patients and then in December 2019, an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome Corona virus 2 infection ensued in Wuhan, China and spread crosswise China and beyond. On February 12, 2020, WHO officially named the disease caused by the novel Corona virusas Corona virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Main Text: This form of virus comes up its growth when expose to any of the naturally expose material and the precaution for this is only single oriented, that is keeping yourself hygienic by washing your hands by utilizing high grade sanitizer. The literature survey revealed that Corona virus strain mainly severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus and middle east respiratory syndrome Corona virus and human corona virus preserve on various surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for about 9 days but inactivation of virus by utilizing various virucide. On infection, the virus has a surge of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which do damage to lung tissue, deterioration of lung function, and then eventually go to lung failure. Drug discovery against the virus is a challenging line of work owing to frequent recombination events. The evolution of a vaccine is another significant facet. Research is in ongoing stage to develop vaccine and medicines for COVID 19. In such circumstances, other system of medicineis widely used, like Allopathy, Ayurveda and Unani. Unani system of medicine utilized some measures for health protection during epidemics. In Unani medicine, during an epidemic, apart from isolation and quarantine, three measures are of utmost importance, impurification of surroundings using certain herbal drugs as fumigants or sprays, health promotion and immune-modulation, and use of health-protecting drugs and symptom-specific drugs. Conclusion: We require more structural biological details which put up rush up the drug or vaccine development process against corona virus. Thus, objective of this follow-up article is to focus on past to present perspective on corona virus pandemic.

Home remedial treatments for COVID-19 in Sirajganj district, Bangladesh

COVID-19, the latest pandemic to hit the world is caused by a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and follows similar but not so widespread outbreaks by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) corona viruses. This latest outbreak, which started in Wuhan, China at the tail end of December 2019, has already caused (as of February 20, 2022) 424,434,253 infections and 5,903,704 deaths worldwide. In Bangladesh, the corresponding numbers are 1,933,291 infections and 28,965 deaths. No fully effective drugs have been discovered thus far for tackling this coronavirus, or so for that matter, any of the seven coronaviruses affecting human beings. A number of vaccines have been developed in the Western countries, Russia and China, and have gained approval for administration only very recently. That still leaves several major questions to be answered, namely how can developing countries get proper access to the vaccine (s) and store them and administer them in a correct manner taking into account that richer nations have bought up most of the vaccine stock available, whether new mutations of SARS-CoV-2 like delta and omicron variants may partly or fully invalidate the vaccine(s), and last but not the least, to vaccinate with two doses of the vaccine(s) along with 1-2 booster doses somewhere around 80% of the world population of nearly 8 billion, which scientists say is necessary to develop herd immunity. As a result people in countries like Bangladesh have resorted to their personal home remedial measures against COVID-19 and claims of success are heard quite often. We report here some home remedial measures used in Sirajganj district of Bangladesh and note that over the last two years COVID-19 has been in existence, these home remedies are beginning to coalesce into a distinct form unique for COVID-19 treatment. We also report that quite valid scientific support can be found behind these home remedies despite the fact that these remedies have been formulated and used by mostly rural people of the country.

Role of Epigenetics in Developing Therapeutic Strategies against COVID-19

Epigenetics showcases an interconnection between genes and the environment. The expression or repression of genes can result from epigenetic regulatory mechanisms like Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) methylation, histone modifications and chromatin remodelling. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) regulates host epigenetic machineries to mutate itself, improve its replication and increase its persistence by alienating the host's antigen-presenting molecules and modulating interferons expressing genes. The previous outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) reveals that DNA methylation by the virus plays a crucial role in the loss of antigen-presenting molecules in the host. Since these coronaviruses share an ancestorial link, it is believed that the new coronavirus acts similarly. Recent reports of increasing morbidity, mortality and persistence of COVID-19 points to the rapid mutation and evading of immunity of the host. Vaccines, although they have helped to prevent the pandemic but their action remains questionable with new developing variants. We explore the possibility of developing epigenetic-based drugs and vaccines and other immune modulators that are being investigated to end the present COVID-19 pandemic and open new avenues for any such pandemics in the future. Comprehensive review regarding COVID-19 was obtained from PubMed and other search engines. Insights about the COVID-19 vaccines were reported from scientific sources. Epigenetics is a crucial subject to explore for the development of therapeutic strategies against the COVID-19 virus. Epigenetic modulators that can be re-programmed to counter the replication and infection efficiency of this virus and medications, including transcription suppressors, nucleoside inhibitors, can be one of the new strategies which may have a better outcome.

Dental Healthcare Professionals (DHCP) - How Competent are we to Battle the New Foe? The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)

The outbreak of a pneumonia like disease was reported in China towards the end of 2019. It was later found that, a novel Corona Virus (nCoV) was the causative agent. In January 2020, China shared the genomic sequence of this virus, which was similar to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (SARS-CoV), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV). This virus was named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the pneumonia caused by it was called as Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic owing to the uncontrolled spread and the threat caused by the virus. Thereafter, the rapid spread of COVID-19, keeps continuing to cause chaos and catastrophe to mankind. Though mortality ranges about 1-3%, with mild variations worldwide, the rate of infectivity is much higher than SARS-CoV. The understanding on the pathogenesis of this virus remains mysterious and unclear. As frontline warriors against the COVID-19 battle, Healthcare Professionals, are more susceptible to succumb to this disease. Dental healthcare professionals (DHCP), owing to a closer contact with patients, during dental operating procedures are at a higher risk of acquiring and spreading the infection due to increased aerosol production. This review, gives an insight about the structure, transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the possibility of spread through aerosol. It also highlights the precautions and safety measures that need to be followed within the dental operatory setting.

English

Corona virus disease 2019, also known as Covid-19, is a public health crisis that is threatening the world. It is rapidly spreading and highly contagious. The etiological agent is SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus - 2). It is even more contagious than SARS - CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS - CoV). This ailment was declared as a ‘pandemic’ by WHO and Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It was reported first in Wuhan, China in 2019. The most probable route of human to human transmission is mainly through respiratory droplets, touching or coming into contact with infected person or contaminated surfaces. Recently corona virus has mutated and new strains have been produced. Among the new variants, the UK variant which is known as ‘B.1.1.7’ is 40 to 70 percent more transmissible than the original corona strain. New strains of corona virus have been producing new strange symptoms. These symptoms are called ‘Non classic symptoms’. New strains are causing more weakness and lethargy. Oral manifestations are more common in the new variants. Pediatric symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease, prior health status, and the presence of comorbidities. For the first 3 months during Covid-19 pandemic, it was expected to be an immunizing non - relapsing disease. But many secondary infection cases are reported recently. On considering the modes of transmission, dentists are in a very high risk category, because of the close contact with patients and the nature of the dental treatment. This article mainly emphasizes the importance of new strains of corona virus and its symptoms, oral manifestations, pediatric symptoms, reinfection potential and dental considerations. KEY WORDS Covid-19, Variants, Coronavirus, Oral Manifestations,Dentistry.

Activity, Effect on Human and Salvation from effect of COVID-19

At present most of the world is at a standstill for the exponential increment of novel Corona virus outbreak. Novel Corona virus is one of the most dangerous viruses in the world. After extensive investigation, now it is clear that the onset of the current novel Corona virus started from Wuhan Seafood Market during December 2019, possibly from different zoonotic events. [1] Corona virus is actually a respiratory infection in humans, where the characteristics of Corona virus are similar with the characteristics of SARS-CoV. SARS-CoV originated in Guangdong, China, in the year 2002, a total of 8098 people were affected from the virus in 37 countries [2]. After that another Corona virus, namely the Middle East respiratory syndrome Corona virus (MERS-CoV) which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in the year 2012 [3]. At present the whole world is suffering for another Corona virus named 2019-novel Corona virus (2019n-CoV), which originated in Wuhan, China. Among SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and 2019n-CoV there are many similarities. Whereas the novel Corona virus is transmitted from humans to another human, the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have found in animal body [4]. The necessary figures related to COVID-19 outbreak in all over the world is – Confirmed cases – 29,59,929, Confirmed deaths – 2, 02, 733 and Countries, areas or territories affected - 213 based on the WHO’s report of 28-April-2020. in order to defeat the COVID-19 we should gather more knowledge about this pandemic, hence in this paper we will discuss about various demerits and merits of novel Corona virus pandemic.

A New-fangled Corona virus coupled with Human Respiratory and AI in COVID-19 Discovery

Recently a very strange time to fight with invisible enemy. The Corona virus ailment 2019 also known as COVID-19 outburst, which emerged from Wuhan, the Hubei Province, China, had broaden to all the regions of China and 28 additional countries. Corona viruses are a group of viruses with non segmented, single stranded and positive–sense RNA genomes. Corona viruses is also popular to contaminate human hosts and effect respiratory disease like brutal SARS-CoV (Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus) and MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus). In this paper we discussed on detail analysis of COVID-19 disease.

COVID-19 Pandemic. A Review Based on Current Evidence from Sri Lanka

Pandemics are large-scale outbreaks of infectious disease that can extremely increase mortality and morbidity over a wide geographic area and cause significant social political and economic. Evidence suggests that the likelihood of pandemics has increased over the past century because of increased global travel and integration, urbanization and greater exploitation of the natural environment. The emergence and spread of infectious diseases with pandemic potential occurred regularly throughout history. Major pandemics and epidemics such as plague, cholera, flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) have already afflicted humanity. The world is now facing the new corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.The sudden outbreak of COVID-19, originated in China in December 2019, struck the Sri lanka so hard affecting all the economic and daily activities of humans. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on poverty, employment, gross domestic product, inflation, stock market, external sector performance, household income, tourism, Import & export, government revenue & Gross domestic product in the context of Sri Lanka. Further gradually describe the influence of industrial, agriculture and service sector. A global recession is likely to significantly reduce the demand for Sri Lanka’s exports, and lead to considerable job losses especially in the apparel sector. The closing of the Sri Lankan border for foreign passenger arrivals in mid-March, combined with global travel restrictions undoubtedly lead to further losses. Uncertainty will be part of the backdrop for the foreseeable future. Coherent, coordinated, and credible policy responses provide the best chance at limiting the economic fallout from what is already and sadly a human tragedy.

Corona Virus Infection (Novel CoVid 19) - Update on specific and supportive medications

Coronavirus belongs to the family of Coronaviridae and is structurally enveloped with positive sense single strand. The virus undergoes replication by transcription of a minus strand template by RNA dependent RNA polymerase. The search is ongoing for the specific targeted treatment of corona virus infection. Among the available drugs to treat viral infections, there are few with promise to treat or reduce viral load. Never the less prevention is the best method to tackle the viral infection. The drugs used in the treatment of CoVid 19 according to the evidence available from the past with management of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (SARS Covid 2) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS Covid). The options available for treatment of Covid 19 are antiviral drugs and supportive interventions. The currently available drugs used in viral infections are explored for their additional benefit in treating CoVid 19 along with the immune boosters which include vitamins, essential minerals and biological response modifiers. Keywords: Covid 19, potential drugs, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, Immune boosters

Epidemic to Pandemic: Just a Matter of Time

Epidemic and pandemic potential of all respiratory diseases of zoonotic origin is well known. In recent history global public health threat was inflicted by zoonotic origin infectious diseases with pandemic potential including, Ebola and Marburg haemorrhagic fevers, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), influenza A (H5N1), Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERSCoV), 1 and the recently discovered COVID-19. Change of epidemic to a pandemic is just a matter of time. A novel Corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) is appearing to be one of the rapidly transmitting diseases because of the social and economic linkages worldwide. Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are not new but their incidence or geographical involvement is rapidly increasing. Global temporal and spatial patterns of these emerging infections are studied well in literature concluding significant correlation of EIDs with socio-economic, environmental and ecological factors. It helps to identify regions as ‘hotspots’ for EIDs with a substantial risk of vector-borne and wildlife zoonotic emerging diseases.

Impact of Quarantine on Psychological and Psychosocial Aspects in Individual and Health Care Staff

Even a thought for an outbreak of an infectious disease provokes unwarranted panic and emotional distressin population causing development of negative impacts on psychological and psychosocial parameters of anindividual. So, in case of any real epidemic/pandemic outbreak the normal psychological and psychosocialparameters start getting affected gradually which rise in amplitude as time pass while the disease is in air.Immediately, starts the phase of stress and fear of either being a carrier or a healthy individual who willhave to live a compromised life for a particular duration. Previous studies have shown quarantine periodto grimly affect individuals along with their health care providers which can even go along for the comingyears. These impacts if controlled by early execution of strategies through governmental, administrativeand social bodies working resourcefully and effectively can reduce the distress before being amplified. Thepresent paper outlines the negative impacts of quarantine on psychological and psychosocial domain inindividuals put in quarantine along with health staff engaged in their treatment. In addition, the article alsonarrates and suggests recommendations after reviewing articles from reputed database published followingthe outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and Middle EastRespiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS CoV) with added suggestions in reducing the effects duringand after quarantine.

Quasispecies pattern in coronavirus along with new concern of recurrence, relapse and re-infection of SARS-CoV-2

Ever since the outbreak of pandemic novel corona virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)), from December 2019, researchers worldwide are working round the clock to identify the drug targets and suitable treatment options. A better knowledge of virus diversification and evolution may be critical in preventing and treating the spread of such pathogenic viruses. This article reviews the evidences available regarding the genome sequence studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV), middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus and SARS-CoV-2 that support the quasispecies nature of virus. Further few concepts of reoccurrence, relapse and reinfection of corona virus were also summarized.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome - What Every Otolaryngologist Should Know: A Review.

In this study, we illustrate the history of Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) infection from the first reported case to the disease’s outbreak and subsequent worldwide decline, with the aim of briefly defining the problem for the benefit of otolaryngologists. MERS-CoV belongs to the Coronaviridae family and causes a zoonotic disease, MERS, with strong camel to human and weak human to human transmission. The first documented case of MERS was reported in Saudi Arabia in June 2012. Viral replication produces inflammatory markers targeting T lymphocytes, with apoptosis being the end result. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of this virus is not yet fully understood. The main symptomatic appearance is of mild lower respiratory tract infection with dyspnea and persistent cough in addition to systemic manifestations. The diagnosis is mainly based on the use of polymerase chain reaction for the detection of viral ribonucleic acid in the sputum or tracheal fluids. Otolaryngologic treatment mainly involves supportive adjuvant usage of interferon or antiviral drugs; however, approximately one-third of patients may not survive, and, therefore, otolaryngologists should be familiar with and remain mindful of the disease.

COVID-19, Pregnant Women and Their Hard- Wired Worry

In our day to day obstetric practice, we face a number of concerns raised by the pregnant women regarding their health. Some of the frequently asked queries include: if they would develop health problems like high blood pressure and/or diabetes; if they would have a normal delivery or would require an intervention in the form of cesarean section or instrumentation, if they would have the birth experience as they envision and if the stress is harmful during the ongoing pregnancy. Every pregnant woman strives her best to give birth to a healthy child. As every pregnancy is a period of uncertainties and risks, pregnant women are anxious about their well-being and that of their baby. The list of concerns is endless with the addition of corona virus disease (COVID-19). If we look back into the past, viral infections such as influenza, H1N1, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) caused immense maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. Due to compromised, pregnant women are more vulnerable to being infected. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of corona virus that is similar to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). These viruses spread primarily by coughing and sneezing or direct contact. Most patients infected with any one of these three strains of corona virus may remain asymptomatic or may develop relatively mild symptoms such as fever, cough and fatigue. However, some may develop severe forms of the disease leading to pneumonia and respiratory failure; requiring oxygen or other respiratory support. Pregnant women infected with MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV were at high risk of developing severe pneumonia; heart failure and other complications which could be life-threatening leading to death in many cases.

Seroprevalence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus in dromedaries and their traders in upper Egypt

Camel trade in Egypt depends mainly on importation. Seemingly healthy imported camels are responsible for the ingress of serious diseases into Egypt. A striking example of this concerning public health globally is the Middle East respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) which causes case fatalities of over 34%. Here, we determined the seroepidemiological situation of the MERS-CoV in imported camels and their traders in Upper Egypt. Sera of sixty-three dromedaries and twenty-eight camel traders were recruited (January 2015-December 2016). The age, gender, and sampling locality of each sampled camel and human were obtained. Semi-quantitative anti-MERS-CoV IgG ELISAs which utilize the purified spike protein domain S1 antigen of MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV S1) were used to detect specific IgG antibodies against the virus. The data showed that 58.73% of imported camels and 25% of traders had antibodies specific to MERS-CoV. Interestingly, like seroreactive camels, all seropositive humans were apparently healthy without any history of developing severe respiratory disease in the 14 days prior to sampling. Having specific antibodies among the examined camel sera was significantly different (P < 0.0001) in relation to various sampling localities, gender and age groups. In contrast, the seropositivity rate of MERS-CoV IgG in humans did not differ significantly by any of the studied factors. The current study provides the first serological evidence of occupational exposure of humans to MERS-CoV in Africa. Additionally, it reports that imported camels could be implicated in introducing MERS-CoV into Egypt. Accordingly, application of strict control measures to camel importation is a priority.