Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: Current Status and Future Implications

Abstract

In September 2012, a novel coronavirus was recognized, later renamed Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. This novel coronavirus belong lineage C of the genus Beta coronavirus included virus isolates from bats and camels. Fever, cough and shortness of breath were the common initial symptoms. On the other hand, majority of Patients were rapidly progressed to severe pneumonia and renal failure. Dromedary camels are suspected the primary reservoir for MERS CoV infection; suggesting camels to human transmission via contact with their excretion and consuming their product. However, human to human transmission occurred via the respiratory droplet or close contact. There is no specific drug or vaccine available for illnesses caused by MERS-CoV infection. Currently this novel virus is the major emerging respiratory pathogen threats of the world and capable of lethal human infections. Still new cases have been reported around the world particularly Arabian Peninsula. It has been also emerged outside Middle East countries which have not occurred before in South Korea and China since 20 May, 2015.