tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Open Vet J
. 2023 Oct;13(10):1283-1289.
doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i10.7. Epub 2023 Oct 31. Serological identification of MERS-CoV in camels of Wasit province, Iraq
Hala S R Al-Taee[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Azhar Ali Sekhi[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Hasanain A J Gharban[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Hussien M A Biati[SUP] 4 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Background: Since the first human case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) caused by Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, several evidence bases have shown one-humped camels as the main reservoir host, from which infection is transmitted to humans.
Aim: Serological investigation of MERS in dromedary camels in Wasit province (Iraq), detection severity of infection, and association to some risk factors.
Methods: A total of 455 dromedary camels were selected randomly from two main districts in Wasit province, Iraq, during January and April (2023). Sera of all study camels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and titers of positive study animals were categorized according to their severity.
Results: Serological testing yielded 37.58% positive animals for MERS infection. According to the severity of positive ODs (titer), a total of 53.22%, 30.99%, 12.28%, and 3.51% showed mild, moderate, strong, and very strong infections, respectively. Regarding risk factors, significant elevation in seropositivity was seen in camels of >3-6 and >6 years old and reduced in camels of £3 years old with an elevated risk of MERS with increased age. Regionally, seropositivity and relative risk were increased in the camels of Shaykh Sa'd when compared with Al-Numaniyah. Regarding sex, no significant variation was detected between seropositive females and males; however, male camels appeared at higher risk than females. Association between the severity of MERS infection and risk factors revealed that there was a significant increase in mild and moderate infections in female camels of >6 years old; whereas strong and very strong infections were seen in male camels of [SUP]3[/SUP]3-6 years old. Mild and very strong infections were recorded in Shaykh Sa'd; while moderate and strong infections in Al-Numaniyah.
Conclusion: The study indicated a longstanding existence of MERS-CoV in camels of Wasit province; therefore, recent infections or active viral excretion are required for confirmation by molecular approaches.
Keywords: Camelus dromedarius; Coronavirus; ELISA; MERS-CoV; Serological test.
. 2023 Oct;13(10):1283-1289.
doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i10.7. Epub 2023 Oct 31. Serological identification of MERS-CoV in camels of Wasit province, Iraq
Hala S R Al-Taee[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Azhar Ali Sekhi[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Hasanain A J Gharban[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Hussien M A Biati[SUP] 4 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 38027406
- PMCID: PMC10658013
- DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i10.7
Background: Since the first human case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) caused by Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, several evidence bases have shown one-humped camels as the main reservoir host, from which infection is transmitted to humans.
Aim: Serological investigation of MERS in dromedary camels in Wasit province (Iraq), detection severity of infection, and association to some risk factors.
Methods: A total of 455 dromedary camels were selected randomly from two main districts in Wasit province, Iraq, during January and April (2023). Sera of all study camels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and titers of positive study animals were categorized according to their severity.
Results: Serological testing yielded 37.58% positive animals for MERS infection. According to the severity of positive ODs (titer), a total of 53.22%, 30.99%, 12.28%, and 3.51% showed mild, moderate, strong, and very strong infections, respectively. Regarding risk factors, significant elevation in seropositivity was seen in camels of >3-6 and >6 years old and reduced in camels of £3 years old with an elevated risk of MERS with increased age. Regionally, seropositivity and relative risk were increased in the camels of Shaykh Sa'd when compared with Al-Numaniyah. Regarding sex, no significant variation was detected between seropositive females and males; however, male camels appeared at higher risk than females. Association between the severity of MERS infection and risk factors revealed that there was a significant increase in mild and moderate infections in female camels of >6 years old; whereas strong and very strong infections were seen in male camels of [SUP]3[/SUP]3-6 years old. Mild and very strong infections were recorded in Shaykh Sa'd; while moderate and strong infections in Al-Numaniyah.
Conclusion: The study indicated a longstanding existence of MERS-CoV in camels of Wasit province; therefore, recent infections or active viral excretion are required for confirmation by molecular approaches.
Keywords: Camelus dromedarius; Coronavirus; ELISA; MERS-CoV; Serological test.