Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
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.
Abstract:
As a World Health Organization Research and Development Blueprint priority pathogen, there is a need to better understand the geographic distribution of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and its potential to infect mammals and humans. This database documents cases of MERS-CoV globally, with specific attention paid to zoonotic transmission. An initial literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus; after screening articles according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 208 sources were selected for extraction and geo-positioning. Each MERS-CoV occurrence was assigned one of the following classifications based upon published contextual information: index, unspecified, secondary, mammal, environmental, or imported. In total, this database is comprised of 861 unique geo-positioned MERS-CoV occurrences. The purpose of this article is to share a collated MERS-CoV database and extraction protocol that can be utilized in future mapping efforts for both MERS-CoV and other infectious diseases. More broadly, it may also provide useful data for the development of targeted MERS-CoV surveillance, which would prove invaluable in preventing future zoonotic spillover.
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.
More Related Videos
09:02Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
08:41Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Principles of Disease Surveillance
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs