A database of geopositioned Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus occurrences

Rebecca E Ramshaw1, Ian D Letourneau1, Amy Y Hong2

  • 1Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 2301 5th Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, United States.

Scientific Data
|December 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study details a global database of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) occurrences, focusing on zoonotic transmission. The findings aid in understanding MERS-CoV spread and preventing future outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a priority pathogen requiring better understanding of its geographic distribution and zoonotic potential.
  • Zoonotic transmission and human infection risks associated with MERS-CoV necessitate comprehensive data collection and analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a collated, geo-positioned database of MERS-CoV occurrences globally.
  • To provide a standardized extraction protocol for future infectious disease mapping and surveillance efforts.
  • To support the development of targeted MERS-CoV surveillance strategies to prevent zoonotic spillover.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.
  • Articles were screened based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, with 208 sources selected.
  • MERS-CoV occurrences were extracted, geo-positioned, and classified (index, unspecified, secondary, mammal, environmental, imported).

Main Results:

  • The database contains 861 unique, geo-positioned MERS-CoV occurrences.
  • Data spans global distribution with a focus on zoonotic transmission events.
  • Classifications provide context for each MERS-CoV occurrence.

Conclusions:

  • The compiled MERS-CoV database and protocol serve as a valuable resource for future mapping and surveillance.
  • This resource can inform targeted interventions to mitigate MERS-CoV spread and prevent zoonotic spillover.
  • The methodology can be adapted for studying other infectious diseases with zoonotic potential.