Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Unresolved questions in the zoonotic transmission of MERS
Malik Peiris1, Stanley Perlman2
1HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, P.R. China; School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the second of three zoonotic coronaviruses to infect humans since 2002, causing severe pneumonia. Unlike SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, the causes of the severe acute respiratory syndrome and Covid-19, respectively, MERS-CoV is enzootic in dromedary camels, a domestic/companion animal present across Africa, the Middle East and Central or South Asia and is sporadically transmitted to humans. However, it does not transmit readily from human to human except in hospital and household settings. Human MERS disease is reported only from the Arabian Peninsula (and only since 2012 even though the virus was detected in camels from at least the early 1990's) and in travelers from this region. Remarkably, no zoonotic MERS disease has been detected in Africa or Asia, even in areas of high density of MERS-CoV infected dromedaries. Here, we review aspects of MERS biology and epidemiology that might contribute to this lack of correlation between sites of camel infection and human zoonotic disease. Since MERS-CoV or MERS-like CoV have pandemic potential, further investigations into this disparity is critical, to forestall pandemics caused by this virus.
Insights
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe pneumonia and is enzootic in dromedary camels. Despite widespread camel infection, human MERS disease is confined to the Arabian Peninsula, prompting investigation into this epidemiological puzzle.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a significant zoonotic pathogen causing severe pneumonia in humans.
- Unlike SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV is enzootic in dromedary camels, with sporadic human transmission.
- Human MERS cases are primarily reported from the Arabian Peninsula, despite MERS-CoV presence in camels across Africa and Asia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review MERS-CoV biology and epidemiology.
- To investigate the reasons for the lack of correlation between MERS-CoV camel infection sites and human zoonotic disease.
- To highlight the pandemic potential of MERS-CoV and the need for further research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MERS-CoV biology and epidemiology.
- Analysis of geographical distribution of MERS-CoV in camels and human cases.
- Examination of transmission dynamics from animals to humans.
Main Results:
- MERS-CoV is widespread in dromedary camels across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Human MERS disease is geographically restricted to the Arabian Peninsula and travelers from this region.
- No zoonotic MERS disease has been detected in Africa or Asia, even in areas with high camel infection density.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant disparity between MERS-CoV camel infection prevalence and reported human zoonotic disease.
- Factors influencing MERS-CoV transmission from camels to humans require further investigation.
- Understanding this epidemiological gap is crucial for pandemic preparedness against MERS-CoV and similar viruses.
