Page 22 - Eclipse - Autumn 2021

New research identifies possible control

strategies for Middle East Respiratory

Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

Potential strategies for the control of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
(MERS-CoV) have been identified among the virus’ natural host reservoir, dromedary camels.

esearchers from the RVC Arabia in 2012, though over 2,500 cases that the team is currently pursuing as
working with the London have been identified across almost 30 part of a new project funded by the
School of Hygiene & Tropical countries since that time – with more than UK Medical Research Council. This
RMedicine (LSHTM), Rocky a third of these individuals subsequently work builds upon the long-standing
Mountain Laboratories (NIH, NIAID, dying from the disease. relationship that exists between the
US), Jordan University of Science and Like other zoonotic betacoronaviruses, RVC and partners at LSHTM, NIH and
Technology (JUST), Yarmouk University MERS-CoV, is thought to have originated JUST – the relationship with JUST
and the Jordanian government, have among bat populations before jumping being first initiated through a World
recently published their findings in the species to infect camels. However, Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. while infection in humans can be fatal, twinning initiative, with support from the
These findings identify key management symptoms in camels are typically mild UK Defence, Science and Technology
practices that can help in creating (if any), similar to the common cold. Laboratory (DSTL) and British Embassy
disease-free herds and identify camel The virus is widespread among camel in Jordan.
groups to prioritise for vaccination.
populations in Africa, the Middle East Professor Javier Guitian, project
MERS-CoV in humans is one of three and South Asia, however clinical infection leader and Professor of Veterinary
deadly zoonotic betacoronaviruses to in humans due to camel exposure has Public Health at the RVC, said: “We
have arisen over the past two decades, only been observed within the Arabian are very grateful for all the support
along with Severe Acute Respiratory Peninsula – likely due to viral strains we’ve received from project partners
Syndrome Coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1), circulating in the region. and funders. This has allowed us to
the cause of the original SARS outbreak Study findings pave the way for establish a multidisciplinary research
in 2002-2003, and SARS-CoV-2, the development and testing of team and build a relationship of trust
causing the current COVID-19 pandemic. interventions aimed at reducing the risk with communities in Southern Jordan,
The first known outbreaks of MERS of MERS-CoV infection among high-risk which are central in confronting the
occurred in hospitals in Jordan and Saudi global challenge posed by MERS-CoV.”
communities in the region, an objective

Photo: Peter Holloway

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