#MERS #Coronavirus #Seropositive Bactrian #Camels, #Mongolia (Vector Borne Zoo Dis., abstract)

[Source: Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus Seropositive Bactrian Camels, Mongolia

Dashzeveg Bold, Neeltje van Doremalen, Odonchimeg Myagmarsuren, Batsukh Zayat, Vincent J. Munster, and Juergen A. Richt

Published Online: 16 Nov 2020 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2020.2669

Abstract

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic disease that was first identified in humans in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV causes acute and severe respiratory disease in humans. The mortality rate of MERS in humans is ∼35% and >800 deaths have been reported globally as of August 2020. Dromedary camels are a natural host of the virus and the source of zoonotic human infection. In experimental studies, Bactrian camels are susceptible to MERS-CoV infection similar to dromedary camels; however, neither the virus, viral RNA, nor virus-specific antibodies were detected in Bactrian camel field samples so far. The aim of our study was to survey Mongolian camels for MERS-CoV–specific antibodies. A total of 180 camel sera, collected in 2016 and 2017, were involved in this survey: 17 of 180 sera were seropositive with an initial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test performed at the State Central Veterinary Laboratory in Mongolia. These 17 positive sera plus 53 additional negative sera were sent to the Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID/NIH, and tested for the presence of antibodies with a similar ELISA, an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and a virus neutralization test (VNT). In these additional tests, a total of 21 of 70 sera were positive with ELISA and 10 sera were positive with IFA; however, none was positive in the VNT. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the ELISA/IFA-positive antibodies are (1) non-neutralizing antibodies or (2) directed against a MERS-CoV-like virus circulating in Bactrian camels in Mongolia.

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Keywords: MERS-CoV; Camels; Serology; Seroprevalence; Mongolia.

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#Phylogenetic #Analysis of #MERS-CoV in a #Camel #Abattoir, #Saudi Arabia, 2016–2018 (Emerg Infect Dis., abstract)

[Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

Volume 26, Number 12—December 2020 | Research Letter

Phylogenetic Analysis of MERS-CoV in a Camel Abattoir, Saudi Arabia, 2016–2018

Maged Gomaa Hemida1, Daniel K.W. Chu1, Yen Y. Chor, Samuel M.S. Cheng, Leo L.M. Poon, Abdelmohsen Alnaeem, and Malik Peiris

Author affiliations: Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt (M. Hemida); King Faisal University, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia (M. Hemida, A. Alnaeem); The University of Hong Kong (D.K.W. Chu, Y.Y. Chor, S.M.S. Cheng, L.L.M. Poon, M. Peiris)

Abstract

We detected Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) RNA in 305/1,131 (27%) camels tested at an abattoir in Al Hasa, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, during January 2016–March 2018. We characterized 48 full-length MERS-CoV genomes and noted the viruses clustered in MERS-CoV lineage 5 clade B.

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Keywords: MERS-CoV; Camels; Saudi Arabia.

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#Genomic #Sequencing and Analysis of Eight #Camel-Derived Middle East Respiratory Syndrome #Coronavirus (#MERS-CoV) Isolates in #Saudi Arabia (Viruses, abstract)

[Source: US National Library of Medicine, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

Viruses. 2020 Jun 3;12(6):E611. doi: 10.3390/v12060611.

Genomic Sequencing and Analysis of Eight Camel-Derived Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Isolates in Saudi Arabia

Badr M Al-Shomrani 1, Manee M Manee 1 2, Sultan N Alharbi 1, Mussad A Altammami 1, Manal A Alshehri 1, Majed S Nassar 1, Muhammed A Bakhrebah 1, Mohamed B Al-Fageeh 1

Affiliations: 1 National Centre for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia. 2 Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.

PMID: 32503352 DOI: 10.3390/v12060611

 

Abstract

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory illness in humans; the second-largest and most deadly outbreak to date occurred in Saudi Arabia. The dromedary camel is considered a possible host of the virus and also to act as a reservoir, transmitting the virus to humans. Here, we studied evolutionary relationships for 31 complete genomes of betacoronaviruses, including eight newly sequenced MERS-CoV genomes isolated from dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia. Through bioinformatics tools, we also used available sequences and 3D structure of MERS-CoV spike glycoprotein to predict MERS-CoV epitopes and assess antibody binding affinity. Phylogenetic analysis showed the eight new sequences have close relationships with existing strains detected in camels and humans in Arabian Gulf countries. The 2019-nCov strain appears to have higher homology to both bat coronavirus and SARS-CoV than to MERS-CoV strains. The spike protein tree exhibited clustering of MERS-CoV sequences similar to the complete genome tree, except for one sequence from Qatar (KF961222). B cell epitope analysis determined that the MERS-CoV spike protein has 24 total discontinuous regions from which just six epitopes were selected with score values of >80%. Our results suggest that the virus circulates by way of camels crossing the borders of Arabian Gulf countries. This study contributes to finding more effective vaccines in order to provide long-term protection against MERS-CoV and identifying neutralizing antibodies.

Keywords: 2019-nCov; MERS-CoV; dromedary camel; phylogenetic analysis; vaccine design.

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Keywords: MERS-CoV; SARS-CoV; Camels; Saudi Arabia.

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Structural #Basis for Potent #Neutralization of #Betacoronaviruses by Single-domain #Camelid #Antibodies (Cell Press, abstract)

[Source: Cell Press, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

Journal pre-proof | DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.04.031

This is a PDF file of an accepted peer-reviewed article but is not yet the definitive version  of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and  review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give  early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may  be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the  journal pertain.

© 2020 The Author(s).

Title: Structural Basis for Potent Neutralization of Betacoronaviruses by Single-domain Camelid Antibodies

Authors: Daniel Wrapp1#, Dorien De Vlieger2,3,4#, Kizzmekia S. Corbett5, Gretel M. Torres6, Nianshuang Wang1, Wander Van Breedam2,3, Kenny Roose2,3, Loes van  Schie2,3, VIB-CMB COVID-19 Response Team, Markus Hoffmann7, Stefan Pöhlmann7,8, Barney S. Graham5, Nico Callewaert2,3, Bert Schepens2,3,4*, Xavier Saelens2,3,4* and  Jason S. McLellan1*†

Affiliations: 1 Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin,  Austin, Texas, USA 78712; 2 VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052  Ghent, Belgium; 3 Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, 9052  Ghent, Belgium; 4 Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052  Ghent, Belgium; 5 Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious  Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA 20892; 6 Department of  Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New
Hampshire, USA 03756; 7 Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center – Leibniz  Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; 8Faculty of Biology and  Psychology, University Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany

# These authors contributed equally to this work

*Correspondence: bert.schepens@vib-ugent.be (B.S.), xavier.saelens@vib-ugent.be (X.S.), jmclellan@austin.utexas.edu (J.S.M.)

†Lead contact

 

SUMMARY

Coronaviruses make use of a large envelope protein called spike (S) to engage host cell  receptors and catalyze membrane fusion. Because of the vital role that these S proteins  play, they represent a vulnerable target for the development of therapeutics. Here, we  describe the isolation of singledomain antibodies (VHHs) from a llama immunized with  prefusion-stabilized coronavirus spikes. These VHHs neutralize MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1  S pseudotyped viruses, respectively. Crystal structures of these VHHs bound to their  respective viral targets reveal two distinct epitopes, but both VHHs interfere with  receptor binding. We also show cross-reactivity between the SARS-CoV-1 S-directed VHH  and SARS-CoV-2 S, and demonstrate that this crossreactive VHH neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 S  pseudotyped viruses as a bivalent human IgG Fcfusion. These data provide a  molecular basis for the neutralization of pathogenic betacoronaviruses by VHHs and  suggest that these molecules may serve as useful therapeutics during coronavirus outbreaks.

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Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; SARS-CoV; Neutralizing antibodies; Camels.

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Middle East Respiratory Syndrome #Coronavirus (#MERS-CoV) Seropositive #Camel #Handlers in #Kenya (Viruses, abstract)

[Source: US National Library of Medicine, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

Viruses, 12 (4) 2020 Apr 3

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Seropositive Camel Handlers in Kenya

Alice N Kiyong’a 1, Elizabeth A J Cook 1 2, Nisreen M A Okba 3, Velma Kivali 1, Chantal Reusken 3 4, Bart L Haagmans 3, Eric M Fèvre 1 2

Affiliations: 1 International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya. 2 Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK. 3 Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 4 Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.

PMID: 32260186 DOI: 10.3390/v12040396

 

Abstract

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory disease caused by a zoonotic coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camel handlers, including slaughterhouse workers and herders, are at risk of acquiring MERS-CoV infections. However, there is limited evidence of infections among camel handlers in Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of antibodies to MERS-CoV in high-risk groups in Kenya. Sera collected from 93 camel handlers, 58 slaughterhouse workers and 35 camel herders, were screened for MERS-CoV antibodies using ELISA and PRNT. We found four seropositive slaughterhouse workers by PRNT. Risk factors amongst the slaughterhouse workers included being the slaughterman (the person who cuts the throat of the camel) and drinking camel blood. Further research is required to understand the epidemiology of MERS-CoV in Africa in relation to occupational risk, with a need for additional studies on the transmission of MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans, seroprevalence and associated risk factors.

Keywords: Republic of Kenya; camels; coronavirus; slaughterhouses.

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Keywords: MERS-CoV; Camels; Human; Kenya; Serology; Seroprevalence.

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#Seroprevalence of #MERS #Coronavirus in #Dromedaries and Their #Traders in Upper #Egypt (J Infect Dev Ctries., abstract)

[Source: US National Library of Medicine, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

J Infect Dev Ctries, 14 (2), 191-198 2020 Feb 29

Seroprevalence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus in Dromedaries and Their Traders in Upper Egypt

Amal Sm Sayed 1, Safaa S Malek 2, Mostafa Fn Abushahba 3

Affiliations: 1 Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt. amalsayed73@yahoo.com. 2 Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt. safaamalek80@aun.edu.eg. 3 Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt. mateya@aun.edu.eg.

PMID: 32146454 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.10862

 

Abstract

Introduction:

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.

Methodology:

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.

Results:

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.

Conclusions:

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.

Keywords: Dromedary camels; ELISA; MERS-CoV; zoonosis.

Copyright (c) 2020 Amal Sayed, Safaa Malek, Mostafa Abushahba.

Conflict of interest statement No Conflict of Interest is declared

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Keywords: MERS-CoV; Camels; Human; Egypt; Serology.

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#MERS #Coronavirus #Transmission (Emerg Infect Dis., abstract)

[Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

Volume 26, Number 2—February 2020 / Perspective

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Transmission

Marie E. Killerby  , Holly M. Biggs, Claire M. Midgley, Susan I. Gerber, and John T. Watson

Author affiliations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

 

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 only limited evidence supports 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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Keywords: MERS-CoV; Human; Camels.

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#Enzootic #patterns of #MERS #coronavirus in imported #African and local #Arabian dromedary #camels: a prospective genomic study (Lancet Planet Health, abstract)

[Source: US National Library of Medicine, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

Lancet Planet Health. 2019 Dec 11. pii: S2542-5196(19)30243-8. doi: 10.1016/S2542-5196(19)30243-8. [Epub ahead of print]

Enzootic patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in imported African and local Arabian dromedary camels: a prospective genomic study.

El-Kafrawy SA1, Corman VM2, Tolah AM3, Al Masaudi SB4, Hassan AM5, Müller MA6, Bleicker T7, Harakeh SM1, Alzahrani AA8, Alsaaidi GA8, Alagili AN9, Hashem AM10, Zumla A11, Drosten C12, Azhar EI13.

Author information: 1 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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 Department of Biological Science, Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 5 Special Infectious Agent Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 6 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. 7 Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany. 8 Directorate of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia. 9 Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 10 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. 11 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. 12 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. Electronic address: christian.drosten@charite.de. 13 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. Electronic address: eazhar@kau.edu.sa.

 

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.

Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

PMID: 31843456 DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(19)30243-8

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Keywords: MERS-CoV; Camels; Africa Region; Saudi Arabia; Recombination.

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#Genetic #diversity of #MERS-CoV spike protein gene in #Saudi Arabia (J Infect Public Health, abstract)

[Source: US National Library of Medicine, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

J Infect Public Health. 2019 Dec 9. pii: S1876-0341(19)30345-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.11.007. [Epub ahead of print]

Genetic diversity of MERS-CoV spike protein gene in Saudi Arabia.

Sohrab SS1, Azhar EI2.

Author information: 1 Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: ssohrab@kau.edu.sa. 2 Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was primarily detected in 2012 and still causing disease in human and camel. Camel and bats have been identified as a potential source of virus for disease spread to human. Although, significant information related to MERS-CoV disease, spread, infection, epidemiology, clinical features have been published, A little information is available on the sequence diversity of Spike protein gene. The Spike protein gene plays a significant role in virus attachment to host cells. Recently, the information about recombinant MERS-CoV has been published. So, this work was designed to identify the emergence of any another recombinant virus in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS:

In this study samples were collected from both human and camels and the Spike protein gene was amplified and sequenced. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of MERS-CoV Spike protein gene were used to analyze the recombination, genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship with selected sequences from Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS:

The nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 65.7% to 99.8% among all the samples collected from human and camels from various locations in the Kingdom. The lowest similarity (65.7%) was observed in samples from Madinah and Dammam. The phylogenetic relationship formed different clusters with multiple isolates from various locations. The sample collected from human in Jeddah hospital formed a closed cluster with human samples collected from Buraydah, while camel sample formed a closed cluster with Hufuf isolates. The phylogenetic tree by using Aminoacid sequences formed closed cluster with Dammam, Makkah and Duba isolates. The amino acid sequences variations were observed in 28/35 samples and two unique amino acid sequences variations were observed in all samples analyzed while total 19 nucleotides sequences variations were observed in the Spike protein gene. The minor recombination events were identified in eight different sequences at various hotspots in both human and camel samples using recombination detection programme.

CONCLUSION:

The generated information from this study is very valuable and it will be used to design and develop therapeutic compounds and vaccine to control the MERS-CoV disease spread in not only in the Kingdom but also globally.

Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS: Camel; Genetic diversity; Human; MERS-CoV; Saudi Arabia

PMID: 31831395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.11.007

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Keywords: MERS-CoV; Human; Camels; Recombination; Saudi Arabia.

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#Influenza A Virus #Infections in Dromedary #Camels, #Nigeria and #Ethiopia, 2015–2017 (Emerg Infect Dis., abstract)

[Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]

Volume 26, Number 1—January 2020 / Research Letter

Influenza A Virus Infections in Dromedary Camels, Nigeria and Ethiopia, 2015–2017

Daniel K.W. Chu1, Ranawaka A.P.M. Perera1, Abraham Ali1, Jamiu O. Oladipo, Gezahegne Mamo, Ray T.Y. So, Ziqi Zhou, Yen Yeen Chor, Chak Kai Chan, Desalegn Belay, Adamu Tayachew, Mesfin Mengesha, Feyesa Regassa, Nga Ting Lam, Leo L.M. Poon, and Malik Peiris

Author affiliations: The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (D.K.W. Chu, R.A.P.M. Perera, J.O. Oladipo, R.T.Y. So, Z. Zhou, Y.Y. Chor, C.K. Chan, N.T. Lam, L.L.M. Poon, M. Peiris); Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (A. Ali, D. Belay, A. Tayachew, M. Mengesha, F. Regassa); Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia (G. Mamo)

 

Abstract

We examined nasal swabs and serum samples acquired from dromedary camels in Nigeria and Ethiopia during 2015–2017 for evidence of influenza virus infection. We detected antibodies against influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) viruses and isolated an influenza A(H1N1)pdm09–like virus from a camel in Nigeria. Influenza surveillance in dromedary camels is needed.

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Keywords: Influenza A; H1N1pdm09; H3N2; Camels; Nigeria; Ethiopia.

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