Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

Epidemiological Characteristics of MERS-CoV

Direct or indirect interactions with camels serve as the primary transmission route for MERS-CoV to humans according to epidemiological evidence. Camels function as the primary host for MERS-CoV transmission while bats host the virus naturally in their environment. After infection humans can spread the virus to others through close personal interactions particularly within medical facilities.

Figure 2. Epidemiological Characteristics of MERS-CoV.( Ahmad, Tauseef, 2022)

In the light of available scientific literature, MERS-CoV possesses significant public health challenges. Moreover, good personal hygiene and medical practices should be followed to prevent the spread of MERS-CoV as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Good personal hygiene and medical practices for MERS-CoV.( Ahmad, Tauseef, 2022)

Clinical Characteristics of MERS-CoV

MERS-CoV exhibits a spectrum of clinical manifestations which range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Patients with MERS-CoV frequently show symptoms of fever along with cough, dyspnea and pneumonia. Certain patients exhibit no symptoms while others display mild respiratory issues. In patients with severe manifestations acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) appears and these cases result in high mortality rates. The reported 35% mortality rate for MERS-CoV infection could be inflated since mild cases likely go undetected by current surveillance methods.

Diagnosis and Treatment of MERS-CoV

Medical professionals diagnose MERS-CoV by employing molecular biological techniques including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Medical professionals frequently use antibody detection as one of their standard diagnostic approaches. The medical community currently lacks both a vaccine and an antiviral treatment for MERS-CoV. Supportive care remains the primary treatment method for MERS-CoV which involves oxygen therapy alongside mechanical ventilation and symptomatic treatment. Research studies have focused on ribavirin and interferon as potential antiviral treatments for MERS-CoV. Diagnostic tests for MERS-CoV infection exist in multiple laboratory formats.

• Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR): RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique that combines reverse transcription (RT) of RNA and polymerase chain amplification (PCR) of cDNA. This test method can identify viral RNA in samples (including nasal and throat swabs). RT-PCR MERS-CoV detection has high sensitivity and specificity.
• Serological test: It uses immune serum (diagnostic serum) containing known specific antibodies to react with antigens in isolated and cultured unknown pure bacteria or specimens to determine the species or type of pathogens. MERS-CoV antibodies can be detected in the patient's blood. Serological tests help confirm previous MERS-CoV infections.
• Virus isolation: Virus isolation is the process of obtaining live viruses from clinical specimens through laboratory techniques. This method uses cell culture, chicken embryo inoculation and other means to proliferate viruses, and the isolated viruses need to be identified by neutralization tests, antigen detection and other techniques.

Health Care Facilities

Several Member States reported MERS-CoV transmission in health care facilities involving both health care workers and patients before official diagnosis of the virus. The identification of patients with MERS‐CoV remains challenging without testing due to their non-specific symptoms and clinical features. Clusters of cases and large outbreaks occurred in health care facilities when infection prevention and control practices proved inadequate or improper. Health care facilities must implement infection prevention and control measures to stop MERS‐CoV from spreading. Health care facilities treating patients with suspected or confirmed MERS‐CoV infections need to implement proper precautions to prevent virus transmission to other patients, health care personnel and visitors. Health care workers need education and training in infection prevention and control which they must update regularly to maintain competence.

Conclusions

MERS-CoV remains a significant public health threat, particularly in the Middle East. While human-to-human transmission is limited compared to SARS-CoV-2, its high mortality rate underscores the need for vigilance. Educating the public and providing health education stand as vital steps toward controlling and preventing MERS-CoV. The government should deliver MERS-CoV health education programs to both the public and medical staff to raise protection awareness amongst the population. To control and prevent MERS-CoV healthcare systems must enhance monitoring and reporting systems and infection prevention measures while also increasing public awareness through education. Effective control of MERS-CoV transmission and its global health impact stems from these preventative measures.