MERS-CoV: epidemiology, molecular dynamics, therapeutics, and future challenges

Area of Science:

• * Virology
• * Epidemiology
• * Molecular Biology

Background:

• * Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic pathogen causing significant concern, especially in Saudi Arabia and surrounding regions.
• * MERS-CoV has spread to over 27 countries, with approximately 2500 reported cases and a severe fatality rate of 35%.
• * Outbreaks, including nosocomial infections and community clusters, have occurred since 2012, with human-to-human transmission driving major outbreaks in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review existing literature on MERS-CoV, focusing on its epidemiology, genetic variability, and molecular characteristics.
• * To highlight the ongoing threat posed by MERS-CoV, emphasizing the need for therapeutic and immunological interventions.
• * To underscore the importance of molecular investigations in understanding and combating MERS-CoV.

Main Methods:

• * Extensive literature review across multiple databases.
• * Selection of publications based on merit, irrespective of findings.
• * Data abstraction and analysis of relevant studies on MERS-CoV.

Main Results:

• * MERS-CoV genome comprises approximately 30,000 nucleotides with seven predicted open reading frames.
• * Key structural proteins include Spike (S), Envelope (E), Membrane (M), and Nucleocapsid (N).
• * The Spike (S) protein is critical for zoonotic transmission in betacoronaviruses, mediating virus-receptor recognition and infection initiation.
• * Saudi Arabia, particularly the Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Makkah, experienced severe MERS-CoV epidemics, peaking in 2013 and 2014.

Conclusions:

• * MERS-CoV continues to pose a significant public health threat, necessitating ongoing surveillance and research.
• * Genetic variability within MERS-CoV strains may contribute to cross-species transmission and altered tropism.
• * There is an urgent need for the development of effective therapeutic and immunological strategies against MERS-CoV, grounded in molecular research.