Articles tagged with Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome
The latest Ebola outbreak is the largest, most sustained, and most widespread to date, with several potential treatments undergoing clinical trials. Dr. Ali Mirazimi notes that emerging infectious diseases will continue to challenge global health.
Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered two therapeutics that neutralize the MERS virus, providing early hope for treatment and prevention. The study validated these treatments using animal models, setting the stage for clinical trials to test their effectiveness in humans.
A team of researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has developed a candidate vaccine against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and demonstrated its efficacy in a mouse model. The vaccine, named MVA-MERS-S, uses a modified virus to induce protective immunity against the coronavirus.
A team of researchers from Purdue University has identified molecules that inhibit the MERS virus's essential 3C-like protease enzyme. The discovery could lead to better treatments for those infected with MERS. The unique properties of this enzyme make it an attractive target for potential treatments.
Researchers at UMN identified two key mutations in MERS virus enabling its transmission from bats to humans. These mutations allowed the virus to infect human cells, highlighting a crucial evolutionary strategy used by the virus.
The MERS-CoV virus has been linked to dromedary camels, with little human-to-human transmission reported. The disease can cause severe respiratory symptoms and multiorgan failure, highlighting the need for effective infection prevention and control measures.
Researchers found that camel antibodies protected uninfected mice from MERS and helped infected mice expunge the disease. The study suggests these antibodies might be therapeutic for MERS patients and protect uninfected household members and healthcare workers.
Researchers led by the University of Bonn have found that the MERS virus has a low transmission rate from person to person, but is still a deadly disease. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also suggests that dromedaries may be an additional source of infection.
Researchers have discovered a potential MERS transmission mechanism between bats and humans, highlighting the need for understanding animal origins and preventing human infections. The study found that MERS virus adapts to human cells more efficiently than related bat virus HKU4, which struggles to infect human cells.
Researchers found genetic fragments of MERS-CoV in air samples from a camel barn, suggesting short or intermittent shedding of the virus. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing possible airborne transmission and highlights the risk of camel-to-human transmission.
A new study has identified a defining characteristic of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in CT imaging of hospitalized patients confirmed as having the disease. The most common CT finding is suggestive of an organizing pneumonia pattern, which can aid in early diagnosis.
A Purdue University-led research team has figured out how to disable the SARS virus's ability to hide it from the immune system. By removing specific proteins, the enzyme serves as a biological cloaking system, allowing the virus to live and replicate undetected.
A new real-time disease surveillance system successfully monitored public health risks among 5 million pilgrims from 184 countries during the Hajj 2012 and 2013. The system rapidly relayed demographic and health data to guide investigation and intervention.
Researchers at NIH screened 290 approved compounds and identified 27 with activity against both MERS-CoV and SARS coronavirus. These compounds, from various pharmaceutical classes, inhibited the viruses' ability to enter and infect cells. The study provides a potential solution for outbreaks due to emerging viruses.
Scientists confirm camel to human transmission of MERS coronavirus, with viruses from infected humans and camels in the same region showing nearly identical RNA sequences. This suggests a zoonotic transmission pathway, allowing for specific reaction measures such as vaccinations.
Researchers have found a complete, live infectious sample of MERS coronavirus in camels, suggesting the animals are a likely source of the outbreak. The study provides new evidence for camel-to-human transmission and highlights the need for further investigation into potential routes of exposure.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified natural human antibodies against MERS, a severe respiratory disease with a mortality rate of over 40 percent. These 'neutralizing' antibodies prevented the virus from attaching to host cells, offering a possible development of antibody-based immunotherapy.
A study found that MERS-CoV is prevalent in camels throughout Saudi Arabia, with antibodies detected in 74% of camels and active virus in 35% of young camels. The virus likely spreads through respiratory secretions.
A nationwide survey in Saudi Arabia found that three-quarters of camels tested had evidence of MERS-CoV infection. The study established direct camel-to-human transmission is possible and likely, highlighting the need for control measures to contain the spread of the disease.
Researchers found a genetic match for MERS in an Egyptian Tomb Bat near the first known case of the disease in Saudi Arabia, pointing to bats as the likely animal origin. The study suggests that an intermediary animal may also be involved in human transmission.
A team of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists, led by Monica Borucki, has made promising new discoveries about the emergence of inter-species transmittable viruses. They found that genetic diversity within a host animal can allow a virus to adapt and reach a human host, advancing our understanding of how new viruses spread.
A new analysis of 47 MERS cases in Saudi Arabia found that most patients had underlying medical conditions and succumbed to the disease. In contrast to SARS, MERS appeared more deadly, with a 60% mortality rate among those with co-existing chronic illnesses.
The MERS coronavirus has the potential to spread faster and wider during two annual events in Saudi Arabia, putting millions of travelers at risk. The virus could be introduced into countries through returning pilgrims or domestic pilgrims who come into contact with infected individuals.
Researchers found that changes in human behavior had the greatest influence on the three-wave shape of the 1918 influenza epidemic. Behavioral responses, such as avoiding large gatherings and keeping distance from others, reduced infectious contact rates when recent mortality was high.