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Searching for animal models and potential target species for emerging pathogens: Experience gained from Middle East
Júlia Vergara-Alert1, Enric Vidal1, Albert Bensaid1
1IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
Abstract:
Emerging and re-emerging pathogens represent a substantial threat to public health, as demonstrated with numerous outbreaks over the past years, including the 2013-2016 outbreak of Ebola virus in western Africa. Coronaviruses are also a threat for humans, as evidenced in 2002/2003 with infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which caused more than 8000 human infections with 10% fatality rate in 37 countries. Ten years later, a novel human coronavirus (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, MERS-CoV), associated with severe pneumonia, arose in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Until December 2016, MERS has accounted for more than 1800 cases and 35% fatality rate. Finding an animal model of disease is key to develop vaccines or antivirals against such emerging pathogens and to understand its pathogenesis. Knowledge of the potential role of domestic livestock and other animal species in the transmission of pathogens is of importance to understand the epidemiology of the disease. Little is known about MERS-CoV animal host range. In this paper, experimental data on potential hosts for MERS-CoV is reviewed. Advantages and limitations of different animal models are evaluated in relation to viral pathogenesis and transmission studies. Finally, the relevance of potential new target species is discussed.
Insights
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) poses a significant public health threat. This review evaluates animal models for MERS-CoV research, crucial for developing countermeasures and understanding disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health Virology
Background:
- Emerging and re-emerging pathogens, such as Ebola virus and coronaviruses, pose substantial global public health risks.
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreaks highlight the threat of human coronaviruses.
- MERS-CoV has caused over 1800 cases with a 35% fatality rate as of December 2016, emphasizing the need for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental data on potential animal hosts for MERS-CoV.
- To evaluate the advantages and limitations of various animal models for MERS-CoV pathogenesis and transmission studies.
- To discuss the relevance of potential new target species for MERS-CoV research.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing experimental data on MERS-CoV host range.
- Comparative analysis of different animal models used in MERS-CoV research.
- Evaluation of model suitability for studying viral pathogenesis and transmission dynamics.
Main Results:
- Identified and reviewed various animal species experimentally infected with MERS-CoV.
- Assessed the utility of different animal models based on their ability to recapitulate MERS-CoV infection.
- Highlighted the limitations and advantages associated with each evaluated animal model.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MERS-CoV host range is critical for developing vaccines and antivirals.
- Appropriate animal models are essential for advancing MERS-CoV research and public health preparedness.
- Further investigation into potential novel animal hosts may offer new avenues for MERS-CoV research.
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