[Middle-East respiratory syndrome]

Jan Jelrik Oosterheert1, Andy I M Hoepelman

  • 1Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, afd. Interne Geneeskunde en Infectieziekten, Utrecht.

Insights

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory illness. While camels are a source, hospital transmission is a key factor in MERS-CoV spread, requiring vigilance in patients with recent travel history.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the sixth human coronavirus.
  • It causes severe respiratory infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Dromedary camels are a primary source, but nosocomial transmission is significant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of considering MERS-CoV in clinical practice.
  • To inform healthcare providers about MERS-CoV transmission routes.
  • To align with Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) case definitions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of MERS-CoV characteristics and transmission.
  • Application of RIVM case definitions for diagnosis.
  • Clinical observation of lower respiratory infections post-travel.

Main Results:

  • Nosocomial transmission is a major driver of secondary MERS-CoV infections.
  • Patients with lower respiratory infections after visiting the Arabian Peninsula require MERS-CoV consideration.
  • Underlying conditions increase severity risk.

Conclusions:

  • Healthcare providers must be aware of MERS-CoV risks, especially in returning travelers.
  • Prompt diagnosis and infection control are crucial to prevent MERS-CoV spread.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics is key for public health interventions.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-I

Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
1.7K
Acute Respiratory Failure-II01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-II

Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
1.7K
Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

Acute Respiratory Failure-III

Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without...
1.3K
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
730
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
785
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
1.8K