Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection: epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical characteristics

M.S. Nassar, M.A. Bakhrebah, S.A. Meo, M.S. Alsuabeyl, W.A. Zaher

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. sultanmeo@hotmail.com

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• Infectious Diseases

OBJECTIVE: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-(MERS-CoV) infection is an evolving worldwide health crisis. The early diagnosis and management of the disease remains a major challenge. This study designed to discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical appearances of MERS-CoV infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a broad search of the English-language literature in “PubMed” “Medline” “Web of knowledge”, “EMBASE” and “Google Scholar” World Health Organization-WHO” using the key words “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome”, “MERS”, “MERS-CoV” “Epidemiology” “Transmission” “Pathogenesis” “Clinical Characteristics”. We reviewed the literature on epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical appearances of MERS-CoV infection and the required information was documented.

RESULTS: The global prevalence of MERS-CoV infection from June 2012 to April 2018 is 2206 people. The number of cases reported from Saudi Arabia is 1831 (83%) with mortality rate of 787 (35.67%). The main clinical manifestations are fever, chills, generalized myalgia, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The age-allied prevalence of MERS-CoV was highest amongst elderly people with chronic debilitating diseases such as pulmonary diseases, end-stage renal illness, diabetes mellitus and malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS: MERS‐CoV infection is an emerging global health concern, affected people in 27 countries in the various continents. MERS-CoV infection has been identified mainly in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Early detection and management of MERS-CoV infection is of critical importance to minimize the burden of the disease.

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