Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: transmission and phylogenetic evolution
Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq1, Ziad A Memish2
1Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Abstract:
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first described in 2012 and, subsequently, many cases were reported with a lower case fatality rate than initial cases. Humans can become infected within their communities and transmission can then be amplified in the healthcare setting. Contact investigation among cases shows a variable amount of spread among family members and healthcare workers. So far, circulating virus strains remain similar under continuous monitoring, with no genetic changes. Here, we discuss the transmission pattern, phylogenetic evolution, and pathogenesis of MERS-CoV infection.
Related Concept Videos
Viral Mutations
Arboviral Encephalitis
Diphtheria
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...

