article · Emerging Microbes & Infections
A longitudinal study tracked Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in two dromedary camel herds in Saudi Arabia from September 2014 to May 2015. Researchers collected nasal and rectal swabs and serum samples, testing for viral RNA and antibodies. Evidence of MERS-CoV infection was confirmed in one herd, with viral RNA detected in nasal swabs from three camels and significant antibody increases in others. The viruses found were genetically identical, suggesting a single introduction event into the herd. Importantly, the study observed reinfection in camels that had previously tested positive for antibodies, indicating that prior infection may not provide complete immunity. This finding is highly relevant for developing effective camel vaccination strategies aimed at preventing zoonotic transmission of MERS-CoV.
Understanding MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels is vital because they are a primary source of human infection. This research provides insights into how the virus behaves in camel populations, including the potential for reinfection. Such knowledge is crucial for developing effective control measures and vaccination strategies to protect both animal and human health.
This research directly informs the development of camel vaccination strategies to prevent the zoonotic transmission of MERS-CoV. It provides foundational data for veterinary pharmaceutical companies and animal health organisations working on MERS-CoV vaccines. The findings suggest that vaccine development needs to consider the potential for reinfection, indicating this is early-stage research contributing to future product development.
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Two herds of dromedary camels were longitudinally sampled with nasal and rectal swabs and serum, between September 2014 and May 2015, and the samples were tested for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus RNA and antibodies. Evidence of MERS-CoV infection was confirmed in one herd on the basis of detection of virus RNA in nasal swabs from three camels and significant increases in the antibody titers from three others. The three viruses were genetically identical, thus indicating introduction of a single virus into this herd. There was evidence of reinfection of camels that were previously seropositive, thus suggesting that prior infection does not provide complete immunity from reinfection, a finding that is relevant to camel vaccination strategies as a means to prevent zoonotic transmission.
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DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.44
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