Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Research Articles

Human disturbance increases coronavirus prevalence in bats

Human land modification is a known driver of animal-to-human transmission of infectious agents (zoonotic spillover). Infection prevalence in the reservoir is a key predictor of spillover, but landscape-level associations between the intensity of land modification and infection rates in wildlife remain largely untested. Bat-borne coronaviruses have caused three major disease outbreaks in humans: severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We statistically link high-resolution land modification data with bat coronavirus surveillance records and show that coronavirus prevalence significantly increases with the intensity of human impact across all climates and levels of background biodiversity. The most significant contributors to the overall human impact are agriculture, deforestation, and mining. Regions of high predicted bat coronavirus prevalence coincide with global disease hotspots, suggesting that infection prevalence in wildlife may be an important factor underlying links between human land modification and zoonotic disease emergence.

HUBUNGAN PERSEPSI IBU HAMIL TENTANG VAKSINASI COVID 19 DENGAN MINAT IBU HAMIL DALAM MENGIKUTI VAKSINASI

Covid-19 is a group of viruses that can cause disease in animals or humans. Several types of corona viruses are known to cause respiratory tract infections in humans ranging from coughs and colds to more serious ones such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This study aims to analyze the relationship between pregnant women's perceptions of Covid 19 vaccination with pregnant women's interest in taking vaccinations in the Tongas Health Center, Probolinggo.This research is a quantitative research design with a correlational design using a cross sectional study approach with 35 respondents. Data collection includes coding, editing and tabulating, then analyzed manually and computer with Chi Square Test. According to the study's findings, out of 35 respondents, the majority of pregnant women had positive opinions of the COVID 19 vaccination, according to 23 respondents (65.7%), including the interest of pregnant women in receiving the vaccination, which was expressed by 21 respondents (60%) while those who were uninterested were represented by 2 respondents. (5.7%). Pregnant women's perceptions of the Covid 19 immunization and their desire in receiving vaccinations at the Tongas Health Center in Probolinggo Regency are related, as indicated by the obtained P Value of 0.001 and a = 0.05, which suggests that H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. It is hoped that the screening process for targeting pregnant women should be carried out in detail and thoroughly. For pregnant women, the screening or screening process must be carried out in detail compared to other targets. The thing to remember is that giving the COVID-19 vaccine does not fully protect pregnant women from the Corona virus

Disease-X: Accounting for the unknown.

Disease-X: Accounting for the unknown.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus—a 10-year (2012-2022) global analysis of human and camel infections, genomic sequences, lineages, and geographical origins

ObjectivesThe World Health Organization priority zoonotic pathogen Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (CoV) has a high case fatality rate in humans and circulates in camels worldwide. MethodsWe performed a global analysis of human and camel MERS-CoV infections, epidemiology, genomic sequences, clades, lineages, and geographical origins for the period January 1, 2012 to August 3, 2022. MERS-CoV Surface gene sequences (4061 bp) were extracted from GenBank, and a phylogenetic maximum likelihood tree was constructed. ResultsAs of August 2022, 2591 human MERS cases from 26 countries were reported to the World Health Organization (Saudi Arabia, 2184 cases, including 813 deaths [case fatality rate: 37.2%]) Although declining in numbers, MERS cases continue to be reported from the Middle East. A total of 728 MERS-CoV genomes were identified (the largest numbers were from Saudi Arabia [222: human = 146, camels = 76] and the United Arab Emirates [176: human = 21, camels = 155]). A total of 501 ‘S’-gene sequences were used for phylogenetic tree construction (camels [n = 264], humans [n = 226], bats [n = 8], other [n=3]). Three MERS-CoV clades were identified: clade B, which is the largest, followed by clade A and clade C. Of the 462 clade B lineages, lineage 5 was predominant (n = 177). ConclusionMERS-CoV remains a threat to global health security. MERS-CoV variants continue circulating in humans and camels. The recombination rates indicate co-infections with different MERS-CoV lineages. Proactive surveillance of MERS-CoV infections and variants of concern in camels and humans worldwide, and development of a MERS vaccine, are essential for epidemic preparedness.

Diversity of bat ectoparasites from the caves of selected Key Biodiversity Areas in Central Visayas, Philippines

Abstract. Bejec GA, Bucol LA, Ancog AB, Pagente AC, Paneiro JJM, Bejec ALN, Belanizo JD, Tuastomban DJS, Jose RP. 2023. Diversity of bat ectoparasites from the caves of selected Key Biodiversity Areas in Central Visayas, Philippines. Biodiversitas 24(3): 1693-1703. Bats harbor numerous species of ectoparasites, such as ticks and mites. Many bat ectoparasites are implicated as vectors of pathogens ranging from bacteria to protozoa and viruses. Recent studies verified bats as a natural reservoir of multiple zoonotic viruses, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses. This study assessed the composition, diversity, and prevalence of ectoparasites of cave-dwelling bats in the four Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) of Central Visayas. A total of 20 species of bats were recorded in the 30 surveyed caves. Of these, 30 species of ectoparasites belonging to eight families (dipteran flies Streblidae and Nycteribiidae, mites Spinturnicidae, Macronyssidae and Trombiculidae, ticks Argasidae and Ixodidae, and Ischnopsyllidae fleas) were collected and identified. Leptotrombidium sp. had the highest number of individuals (n=1,684) harbored in 12 bat host species. The highest prevalence (100%) was noted in four bat host species: Philippine pygmy fruit bat Haplonycteris fischeri Lawrence 1939, Philippine forest roundleaf bat Hipposideros obscurus Peters 1861, Philippine pygmy roundleaf batHipposideros pygmaeus Waterhouse 1843, and Common bent-winged bat Miniopterus schreibersii Kuhl 1817. The lowest prevalence was noted in the Round-eared tube-nosed bat Murina cyclotis Dobson 1872, where no ectoparasite was collected. The highest intensity (n=65) of ectoparasites was observed in the Common Asian ghost bat Megaderma spasma Linnaeus 1758. This study provides essential data for future reference in monitoring bat population status and conservation efforts in the region. Given the close relationship between the local human community and bats (e.g., hunting and consumption), more work is needed to address the potential pathogen risks from zoonotic transmission from bats and ectoparasites.

An electrochemical PNA-based sensor for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRP by using surface-initiated-reversible-addition−fragmentation-chain-transfer polymerization technique

Coronavirus disease 2019 is one of the global health problems. Herein, a highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor has been designed to detect the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) (SARS-CoV-2 RdRP). Herein, the surface-initiated reversible-addition−fragmentation-chain-transfer polymerization was used to amplify the electrochemical signal. To do that, the thiol-terminated peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes were first immobilized on the surface of a screen-printed electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide-gold nanocomposite and then the fixed concentration of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRP was added to the electrode surface to interact with PNA probes. Subsequently, the Zr 4+ ions were added to interact with the phosphate groups of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRP. It allowed us to polymerase the ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate (FcMMA) and 4-cyano-4-(phenylcarbonothioylthio)-pentanoic acid on the SARS-CoV-2 RdRP chain. Since the poly-FcMMA has an electrochemical signal, the response of the PNA-based sensor to SARS-CoV-2 RdRP was increased in the range of 5–500 aM. The limit of detection was calculated to be 0.8 aM which is lower than the previous sensor for SARS-CoV-2 RdRP detection. The proposed PNA-based sensor showed high selectivity to the SARS-CoV-2 RdRP in the presence of the gene fragments of influenza A and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice study of Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus in Oman

Background: In the 21st century, there has been an increase in the spread of various diseases. Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) disease is one of them. In order to contain and eradicate the spread of MERS-CoV, assessing public knowledge, attitude, and practice is important. This public study was conducted in the eleven governorates of Oman for its assessment. Methods: A national level cross-sectional survey was conducted online for a period of nine days using a questionnaire that contained forty-one questions. The questions were designed to evaluate public perception and understanding of MERS-CoV disease. The acquired data were analysed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 505 people participated in the survey. The majority of the participants were males from the Muscat region (46%). The ages of the participants were between <20 to 60 years. The survey revealed that 60% of the participants were unaware about the disease (p<0.001) and about 48% (p=0.003) of them were unsure about the symptoms of the disease. Most people had a positive attitude towards preventing the spread of the infection. Adherence to precautionary measures was higher among the female participants (69%, p=0.021). Primary information source for the public was through social media. Conclusions: Overall, the surveyed population had a varied perspective about the disease and fair knowledge on the preventive measures. However, a large percentage of the participants were unclear about the epidemic situation and lacked knowledge on the disease, but showed a positive attitude towards curbing the spread of infection.

The pathogenesis of zoonotic viral infections: Lessons learned by studying reservoir hosts.

Zoonotic viral infections that cause severe disease or even death in some people may be asymptomatic or mild in reservoir hosts. Comparison of the pathogenesis of these two host categories may potentially explain the difference in disease. However, infections in reservoir hosts are often neglected. Therefore, we compared the pathogenesis of rabies virus, macacine alphaherpesvirus, West Nile virus, Puumala orthohantavirus, monkeypox virus, Lassa mammarenavirus, H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, Marburg virus, Nipah virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and simian/human immunodeficiency viruses in both humans and reservoir hosts. We showed that most aspects of the pathogeneses were remarkably similar. The remaining differences lead to the identification of tipping points in the pathogeneses that are important for explaining the disease outcome in severe human cases. Further elucidating these tipping points by studying zoonotic viral infections in their reservoir hosts may teach us how to reduce the severity of zoonotic viral diseases in humans.

Tocilizumab for Severe COVID-19 Infection and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults and Children.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly emerged as a global pandemic, placing imminent stress and burden on healthcare resources and workers worldwide. Many patients who present with a severe COVID-19 infection are at high risk of developing severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), leading to a vast number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and a high mortality rate. Similar to Middle East respiratory syndrome, COVID-19 demonstrates an initial viral replication phase that manifests as a variety of symptoms typically flu-like in nature, followed by a profound inflammatory response leading to rapid production of cytokines and uncontrolled inflammation. There have also been many cases of COVID-19 in pediatric patients presenting with elevated inflammatory markers and multisystem involvement labeled as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) by the world health organization (WHO). The recent treatment of systemic inflammatory response to COVID-19 targets the secondary phase involving cytokine release syndrome. The detrimental effects of IL-6 can be profound and elevated levels are associated with a higher mortality rate and mechanical ventilation. Tocilizumab is an IL-6 inhibitor most widely investigated to target cytokine storm syndrome. Since June 2021, the FDA enacted an emergency use authorization for tocilizumab in the treatment of COVID-19. Several clinical trials have investigated tocilizumab combined with corticosteroids for treating severe ARDS associated with COVID-19. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that targeting the cytokine storm syndrome related to COVID-19 can lead to improved outcomes, especially in those patients requiring mechanical ventilation and with a critical illness. Additional studies are warranted to further look at the positive effects of tocilizumab in the COVID-19 population while additionally defining possible adverse effects.

An overview of the recent progress in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) drug discovery

ABSTRACT Introduction The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has remained a public health concern since it first emerged in 2012. Although many potential treatments for MERS-CoV have been developed and tested, none have had complete success in stopping the spread of this deadly disease. MERS-CoV replication comprises attachment, entry, fusion and replication steps. Targeting these events may lead to the creation of medications that effectively treat MERS-CoV infection. Areas covered This review updates the research on the development of inhibitors of MERS-CoV. The main topics are MERS-CoV‒related proteins and host cell proteins that are involved in viral protein activation and infection. Expert opinion Research on discovering drugs that can inhibit MERS-CoV started at a slow pace, and although efforts have steadily increased, clinical trials for new drugs specifically targeting MERS-CoV have not been extensive enough. The explosion in efforts to find new medications for the SARS-CoV-2 virus indirectly enhanced the volume of data on MERS-CoV inhibition by including MERS-CoV in drug assays. The appearance of COVID-19 completely transformed the data available on MERS-CoV inhibition. Despite the fact that new infected cases are constantly being diagnosed, there are currently no approved vaccines for or inhibitors of MERS-CoV.

Assessment of Proinflammatory Cytokines Among Patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was performed to assess the proinflammatory cytokines profile among MERS-CoV patients. A total of 46 MERS-CoV-infected patients (27 symptomatic and 19 asymptomatic) were assessed and compared with 52 normal healthy controls for plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17, IL-7, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-α, and IL-15 using a customized luminex kit. Whereas asymptomatic MERS-CoV patients and controls were no different; the mean plasma levels among MERS-CoV symptomatic patients were significantly higher than the normal controls: IL-1β (16.89 ± 1.23 vs. 12.80 ± 0.59 pg/mL; p < 0.001), TNF-α (14.04 ± 0.93 vs. 10.35 ± 0.29 pg/mL; p < 0.0001), IL-17 (14.3 ± 0.89 vs. 11.47 ± 0.61 pg/mL; p < 0.001), IL-7 (21.56 ± 1.00 vs. 16.31 ± 0.30 pg/mL; p < 0.0001), IL-6 (156.5 ± 37.90 vs. 18.60 ± 1.59 pg/mL; p < 0.0001), and IFN-α (68.73 ± 13.06 vs. 23.57 ± 1.05 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). The mean plasma levels of IL-7 (24.81 ± 1.63 vs. 19.79 ± 0.94 pg/mL; p < 0.01), IL-6 (312.7 ± 94.67 vs. 101.2 ± 25.67 pg/mL; p < 0.01), and IFN-α (89.00 ± 18.97 vs. 51.05 ± 8.68 pg/mL; p < 0.05) were significantly elevated among MERS-CoV symptomatic patients with fatal outcome compared with MERS-CoV symptomatic patients who survived. Only IL-7 was found to have a higher risk ratio of mortality (4.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.5-14.94; p < 0.01). No differences were observed in IL-15 levels among the groups. Significantly elevated proinflammatory cytokines among symptomatic MERS-CoV-infected patients may contribute to manifestations of cytokine storm frequently observed among critically ill MERS-CoV patients and IL-7 may serve as a marker for disease activity.

A STUDY OF PREVALENCE ON MATERNAL MORTALITY IN COVID-19

Introduction On march 11, 2020, WHO officially announced that COVID 19 has become global pandemic . Most of the studies available on COVID 19 have evaluated the impact of the disease in general population and there are insufficient data on COVID 19 in pregnancy. Pregnant women are more susceptible to acquired viral respiratory infection and severe pneumonia due to physiological changes in immune and cardiopulmonary system during pregnancy COVID 19 infection in pregnancy more likely present as mild symptomatic infection or it may be asymptomatic and the risk of COVID 19 infection for pregnant women may be SARS or middle east respiratory syndrome. Aims And Objectives Aim: Objective TO audit maternal mortality due to COVID 19 : To estimate the prevalence of maternal mortality due to COVID 19 infection in obstetrics patients. A cross sectional study was conducted from Materials And Methodology January 1st 2020 to May 30 2022 at GOVERNMENT GENERAL HOSPITAL ,GUNTUR, a tertiary care centre. During study period all pregnant women and antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum who were diagnosed to have COVID 19 infection by RTPCR or RAPID ANTIGEN TEST positive were considered. Out of 942 cases of COVID 19 recorded Results throughout the study period, the prevelance of maternal mortality is 3.3% (32 cases) According to age wise distribution, 37.5% in 20-25 years age group, 56.25% in 25-30 years age group, 6.2% in 30-35years age group. According to BMI 15.6% deaths in 18.5 -24.9, 59.3% deaths in 25-29.9 group, 25% deaths in 30-34.9 group. According to socioeconomic status 50% in lower SCS, 40.6% in lower middle class group, 9.3% in upper middle class group According to gestational age wise distribution 28% in 24-30 weeks of GA, 46.8% in 32-36 weeks of GA , 25% in 35 and above and postpartum. According to CT severity score number of deaths are 90.6% if score greater than 16, 9.3% with score of 8-15, 0% with score of less than 7. Based on investigations D-dimer elevated in 100% of death cases, serum ferritin elevated in 68.7% of death cases , CRP elevated in 93.7% of death cases

A Synthesis Review of Vitamins Involved in the Fight against Covid‐19

AbstractAlthough literature studies on earlier viruses such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and other similar viruses, in terms of treatment of coronavirus suggested the repurposing of some antiviral drugs, some Covid‐19 specific treatments, general forms of treatments, the use of convalescent plasma, as well as nutritional interventions in the form of vitamins, it is imperative to interrogate the nutritional status, age, and comorbidities of each infected patient before receiving any form of treatment. In the absence of any conclusive treatment so far, the study encourages the use of all likely interventions that could help arrest the spread of the disease. In addition, the current study has a particular interest in the syntheses and applications of vitamins and their derivatives which have been touted to play a significant role in the fight against Covid‐19, namely, vitamins A–E. It must, however, be mentioned that literature is not comprehensive.

Controllable self-replicating RNA vaccine delivered intradermally elicits predominantly cellular immunity

Intradermal delivery of self-replicating RNA (srRNA) is a promising vaccine platform. We have developed an srRNA that functions optimally at around 33°C (skin temperature) and is inactivated at or above 37°C (core body temperature) as a safety switch. This temperature-controllable srRNA (c-srRNA), when tested as an intradermal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, functions when injected naked without lipid nanoparticles. Unlike most currently available vaccines, c-srRNA vaccines predominantly elicit cellular immunity with little or no antibody production. Interestingly, c-srRNA-vaccinated mice produced antigen-specific antibodies upon subsequent stimulation with antigen protein. Antigen-specific antibodies were also produced when B cell stimulation using antigen protein was followed by c-srRNA booster vaccination. We have thus designed a pan-coronavirus booster vaccine that incorporates both spike-receptor-binding domains as viral surface proteins and evolutionarily conserved nucleoproteins as viral internal proteins, from both severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. c-srRNA may provide a route to activate cellular immunity against a wide variety of pathogens.

Global concerns about camel flu: outbreak, etiology, genomic structure, transmission, symptoms, diagnostic tests, prevention, and treatment - correspondence.

Global concerns about camel flu: outbreak, etiology, genomic structure, transmission, symptoms, diagnostic tests, prevention, and treatment - correspondence.

RADIOLOGICAL PRESENTATIONS OF FIRST AND SECOND WAVES OF COVID- 19 INFECTION - COMPARATIVE STUDY

In December 2019, a large outbreak of a novel corona virus infection occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. In humans, corona viruses are among the spectrum of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more severe respiratory diseases specically, Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS), which have mortality rates of 10% and 37%, respectively; both SARS and MERS are zoonotic infections. The novel corona virus that was named severe acute respiratory syndrome corona-virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses caused a pneumonia outbreak in China

Post traumatic stress disorder among patients who survived COVID 19

IntroductionResearch on past coronavirus outbreaks, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), indicates a high likelihood of symptoms and psychiatric disorders in survivors, including symptoms of stress. post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)ObjectivesThis study therefore set out to highlight the impact of COVID-19 infection on mental health by screening them for posttraumatic stressMethodsIt is a retrospective study that includes patients who were tested positive with COVID 19 (RT PCR using a nasopharyngeal test ) and who have seeked medical care at emergencies during a month . The post traumatic stress score disorder: PCL-5 was calculated on day 30 and day 90. The evolution of the patients health state (Recovery or deterioration) was marked. All data were analyzed by SPSS.Resultswe included during the study period 200 patients complying with the inclusion criteria. Post traumatic stress was diagnosed in 146 patients (73% of patients). Post-traumatic stress was diagnosed in rather elderly patients; the average age was 51.8 years with a female predominance (57.5%). 63.6% of patients with PTSD had a cough; 35.7% had dyspnea; 49.7% were febrile, 43.9% had arthromyalgia, 15% had anosmia.The disappearance of the signs was after 8.3 days on average, it lasted longer (14.6 days) in the patient who developed PTSD.In this series, 47.3% of patients diagnosed with PTS infected their relativesConclusionsThis study contributes to a better understanding of the factors that determine the impact of traumatic events such as a pandemic on people’s mental health.Post traumatic stress disorder is so common among COVID 19 patients and it has a huge influence on the evolution of their health state . This is why all health workers have to fight against COVID and its effects on both physical and mental health . Highlighting the fact that a psychological assistance is highly recommended in the management ofCOVID19 patients in order to improve their prognosisDisclosure of InterestNone Declared

Monkeypox Virus Cross-Neutralizing Antibodies in Clinical Trial Participants Vaccinated With Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Encoding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus Spike Protein.

Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is used as a vaccine against monkeypox virus and as a viral vaccine vector. MVA-MERS-S is a vaccine candidate against Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-associated coronavirus. Here, we report that cross-reactive monkeypox virus neutralizing antibodies were detectable in only a single study participant after the first dose of MVA-MERS-S vaccine, in 3 of 10 after the second dose, and in 10 of 10 after the third dose.

Extensive research into MERS-CoV to ascertain its current status, epidemiological context, and potential in the future.

Extensive research into MERS-CoV to ascertain its current status, epidemiological context, and potential in the future.

Extended Viral Shedding of MERS-CoV Clade B Virus in Llamas Compared with African Clade C Strain.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) clade B viruses are found in camelids and humans in the Middle East, but clade C viruses are not. We provide experimental evidence for extended shedding of MERS-CoV clade B viruses in llamas, which might explain why they outcompete clade C strains in the Arabian Peninsula.