Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus infection: New Global Threat

Abstract:

A novel coronavirus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which causes severe respiratory illness emerged in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. Although the majority of cases were reported from the Middle East, numerous cases have also been reported from other regions including North Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. Camels serve as hosts for MERS-CoV, and bats could be a possible reservoir for the virus. The presence of a number of related cases suggests a clear human-to-human transmission. The clinical manifestations of MERS-CoV infection range from asymptomatic infection to pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome and even multi-organ failure that may result in death. In the majority of patients, the disease progresses into pneumonia within 1 week of symptom onset, for which mechanical ventilation or intensive care treatment is often required. Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) is used for finding the cause of disease by testing respiratory secretions, and is the diagnostic method of choice. Lower respiratory tract specimens should be a priority for collection and testing. There is currently no treatment recommended for coronavirus infections except for supportive care. Use of standard, contact, droplet and airborne precautions for the management of hospitalized patients with known or suspected MERS-CoV infection are recommended. There is no licensed vaccine for MERS-CoV. 

Key words:
acute respiratory distress syndrome; MERS-coronavirus; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome; outbreak; transmission infection control