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J Infect Public Health
. 2026 May 28;19(7):103272.
doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103272. Online ahead of print.
Human Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) research in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A mapping scoping review of epidemiology, clade, and research priority gaps
Rami H Al-Rifai 1 , Sondos Taher 2 , Hajra Amoodi 2 , Dana Alshamma 3 , Latifa Rasheed 3 , Waad Alhammadi 3 , Sara Alhosani 3 , Ahmad Al Meslamani 2
Affiliations
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) continues to pose a substantial public health challenge within Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This scoping review systematically examines geographic distribution, methodological characteristics, and thematic priorities of published research, while identifying critical evidence gaps. A total of 171 peer-reviewed studies on human MERS-CoV were included, with a marked predominance from Saudi Arabia (88.3%). Research output peaked in 2016 and 2019, followed by a decline coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional designs were most common (43.3%), with widespread reliance on non-probability sampling (95.3%). Epidemiology and surveillance constituted the primary research focus (∼24%), with case fatality rate being the most frequently reported metric (43.9%). Limited genomic investigations were identified, with Clade B representing 71.4% of characterized strains. Overall, the evidence base reflects geographic concentration, methodological heterogeneity, and thematic limitations, underscoring the need for expanded research scope and enhanced regional collaboration.
Keywords: Dromedary Camels; Emerging Infectious Diseases; MERS-CoV; Zoonotic Diseases.
. 2026 May 28;19(7):103272.
doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103272. Online ahead of print.
Human Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) research in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A mapping scoping review of epidemiology, clade, and research priority gaps
Rami H Al-Rifai 1 , Sondos Taher 2 , Hajra Amoodi 2 , Dana Alshamma 3 , Latifa Rasheed 3 , Waad Alhammadi 3 , Sara Alhosani 3 , Ahmad Al Meslamani 2
Affiliations
- PMID: 42229123
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103272
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) continues to pose a substantial public health challenge within Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This scoping review systematically examines geographic distribution, methodological characteristics, and thematic priorities of published research, while identifying critical evidence gaps. A total of 171 peer-reviewed studies on human MERS-CoV were included, with a marked predominance from Saudi Arabia (88.3%). Research output peaked in 2016 and 2019, followed by a decline coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional designs were most common (43.3%), with widespread reliance on non-probability sampling (95.3%). Epidemiology and surveillance constituted the primary research focus (∼24%), with case fatality rate being the most frequently reported metric (43.9%). Limited genomic investigations were identified, with Clade B representing 71.4% of characterized strains. Overall, the evidence base reflects geographic concentration, methodological heterogeneity, and thematic limitations, underscoring the need for expanded research scope and enhanced regional collaboration.
Keywords: Dromedary Camels; Emerging Infectious Diseases; MERS-CoV; Zoonotic Diseases.