MERS-CoV‒Specific T-Cell Responses in Camels after Single MVA-MERS-S Vaccination.

We developed an ELISPOT assay for evaluating Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)‒specific T-cell responses in dromedary camels. After single modified vaccinia virus Ankara-MERS-S vaccination, seropositive camels showed increased levels of MERS-CoV‒specific T cells and antibodies, indicating suitability of camel vaccinations in disease-endemic areas as a promising approach to control infection.

Virome diversity of Hyalomma dromedarii ticks collected from camels in the United Arab Emirates.

Background and Aim: Viruses are important components of the microbiome of ticks. Ticks are capable of transmitting several serious viral diseases to humans and animals. Hitherto, the composition of viral communities in Hyalomma dromedarii ticks associated with camels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the RNA virome diversity in male and female H. dromedarii ticks collected from camels in Al Ain, UAE. Materials and Methods: We collected ticks, extracted, and sequenced RNA, using Illumina (NovaSeq 6000) and Oxford Nanopore (MinION). Results: From the total generated sequencing reads, 180,559 (~0.35%) and 197,801 (~0.34%) reads were identified as virus-related reads in male and female tick samples, respectively. Taxonomic assignment of the viral sequencing reads was accomplished based on bioinformatic analyses. Further, viral reads were classified into 39 viral families. Poxiviridae, Phycodnaviridae, Phenuiviridae, Mimiviridae, and Polydnaviridae were the most abundant families in the tick viromes. Notably, we assembled the genomes of three RNA viruses, which were placed by phylogenetic analyses in clades that included the Bole tick virus. Conclusion: Overall, this study attempts to elucidate the RNA virome of ticks associated with camels in the UAE and the results obtained from this study improve the knowledge of the diversity of viruses in H. dromedarii ticks.

Fifty Years of Research on Camelids and the Contribution of Genetics and Genomics: A Scientometrics Evaluation

The population and importance of camels in human life have improved in recent years. As genetics and genomics are becoming a more comprehensive section of life sciences, studying genetic/genomic aspects of the camelid nutrition, milk production, reproduction, immunity, disease and racing ability has become common in recent years. This study was conducted based on text mining and scientometrics techniques. To employ relevant information from Web of Science (WoS), a search strategy was developed to retrieve the "genetics or genomics” and words/phrases related to "camelids”. The statistical population of this study included 3830 publications over a period of 50 years (1971–2020). A total of 3830 publications were retrieved that included 3269 research articles (85.35% of the publications) and 224 review articles (5.85% of the publications). The most frequent subject groups were "Veterinary Sciences” including 862 publications. In total, articles on camelid genomics were published in 1345 journals. Moreover, 127 countries contributed to these 3830 publications, with the USA being the leading country both in number of publications and international collaboration. During the 1971–2010 time period, the phrases "MERS-CoV” and "coronavirus” did not exist in the literature at all, while in the last decade, with 140 and 63 times (5.36% and 2.41%, respectively), they were the most frequent keywords. In general, the most important topics studied from the perspective of camelid genomics have been population genetics and pathogens and their diagnosis, as well as camelid immunity. Future studies should pay special attention to the specificity of camelid genomics for hosting the coronavirus. Furthermore, the special structure of humoral immunity in camels makes this section attractive in immunogenetics research. © 2023, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering. All rights reserved.

Detection of viral antibodies in camel sera using magnetic particle spectroscopy.

Pandemics like SARS-Cov-2 very frequently have their origin in different animals and in particular herds of camels could be a source of zoonotic diseases. This study took advantage on a highly sensitive and adaptable method for the fast and reliable detection of viral antibodies in camels using low-cost equipment. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) have high variability in their functionalization with different peptides and proteins. We confirm that 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES)-coated MNP could be functionalized with viral proteins. The protein loading could be confirmed by simple loading controls using FACS-analysis (p < 0.05). Complementary combination of antigen and antibody yields in a significant signal increase could be proven by both FACS and COMPASS. However, COMPASS needs only a few seconds for the measurement. In COMPASS, the phase φn on selected critical point of the fifth higher harmonic (n = 5th). Here, positive sera display highly significant signal increase over the control or negative sera. Furthermore, a clear distinction could be made in antibody detection as an immune response to closely related viruses (SARS-CoV2 and MERS). Using modified MNPs along with COMPASS offers a fast and reliable method that is less cost intensive than current technologies and offers the possibility to be quickly adapted in case of new occurring viral infections. KEY POINTS: • COMPASS (critical offset magnetic particle spectroscopy) allows the fast detection of antibodies. • Magnetic nanoparticles can be adapted by exchange of the linked bait molecule. • Antibodies could be detected in camel sera without washing steps within seconds.

Possession of exotic animals and zoonotic diseases: an approach from the Mexican context

The possession of exotic animals as pets is a social practice that has become more visible in Mexico in recent years, so it is interesting to understand its environmental and social implications and those related to human health. The present study aims to identify the main species of exotic animals kept as pets and the zoonotic diseases reported in these species. We analyzed official figures of seizures of exotic fauna in Mexico and reviewed specialized literature on zoonotic diseases documented in Mexico in these species. We identified zoonoses in species of fauna that can be acquired legally and illegally in the country, reported in environments in which animals coexist with other species and are in direct contact with people, which represents an important factor in the spread and propensity of this type of disease. We conclude that the sanitary regulation of wildlife markets, the monitoring and studying microorganisms associated with wildlife are valuable strategies to prevent the emergence of zoonoses.

Duration of MERS - Coronavirus antibodies in a small closed dromedary camel herd in Dubai

This investigation shows that MERS-CoV ELISA antibodies remain in dromedary camels at least for 9 years, most probably lifelong. The viral infection was most likely acquired at a young age when maternal antibodies have receded between 4 to 8 month of age. Additionally, in the investigated herd, the 4 ELISA antibody negative dromedary camels remained negative also for 9 years, indicating, that no MERS-CoV was circulating in the herd. Until today, the specific source of MERS-CoV infection for young dromedaries remains unknown.

Upregulation of coronavirus (MERS-CoV) receptor dipeptidyl peptodase 4 on camel leukocytes after bacterial stimulation in vitro

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen which causes high mortality rate in humans. Dromedary camels may play a central role in virus transmission to humans. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), a transmembrane protein located on the cell surface of many epithelial and endothelial tissues was identified as the receptor for MERS-CoV. The current study investigated the possibility that bacterial stimulation of camel blood could affect the expression level of DPP4 on camel leukocyte subpopulation, which in turn may contribute to the higher susceptibility of camels with bacterial infection to MERS-CoV infection. DPP4 expression was evaluated by membrane immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Stimulation of camel blood with the bacterial species S. aureus or E. coil resulted in the upregulation of DPPV on both monocytes and granulocytes, while S. agalactiae did not significantly modulate DPPV expression on either of the immune cells (p > 0.05). None of the bacterial species could induce a change in DPPV expression on lymphocytes from stimulated blood. Collectively, the present study showed an enhancing effect of bacterial stimulation on DPPV expression on camel monocytes and granulocytes.

Identification and Genetic Characterization of MERS-Related Coronavirus Isolated from Nathusius' Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) near Zvenigorod (Moscow Region, Russia).

Being diverse and widely distributed globally, bats are a known reservoir of a series of emerging zoonotic viruses. We studied fecal viromes of twenty-six bats captured in 2015 in the Moscow Region and found 13 of 26 (50%) samples to be coronavirus positive. Of P. nathusii (the Nathusius' pipistrelle), 3 of 6 samples were carriers of a novel MERS-related betacoronavirus. We sequenced and assembled the complete genome of this betacoronavirus and named it MOW-BatCoV strain 15-22. Whole genome phylogenetic analysis suggests that MOW-BatCoV/15-22 falls into a distinct subclade closely related to human and camel MERS-CoV. Unexpectedly, the phylogenetic analysis of the novel MOW-BatCoV/15-22 spike gene showed the closest similarity to CoVs from Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog). We suppose MOW-BatCoV could have arisen as a result of recombination between ancestral viruses of bats and hedgehogs. Molecular docking analysis of MOW-BatCoV/15-22 spike glycoprotein binding to DPP4 receptors of different mammals predicted the highest binding ability with DPP4 of the Myotis brandtii bat (docking score -320.15) and the E. europaeus (docking score -294.51). Hedgehogs are widely kept as pets and are commonly found in areas of human habitation. As this novel bat-CoV is likely capable of infecting hedgehogs, we suggest hedgehogs can act as intermediate hosts between bats and humans for other bat-CoVs.

Evaluation of a Rapid Immunochromatographic Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Antigen Detection Assay

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in humans has a high mortality of >30%. Dromedaries are the reservoir of MERS-CoV and the main source of human infections. However, MERS-CoV infections in dromedaries are usually subclinical. Rapid diagnosis of MERS-CoV infection in these animals is important in preventing camel-to-human transmission of the virus. The possible cross-reactivity of a previously reported rapid nucleocapsid protein-based antigen detection assay for MERS-CoV was examined with different CoVs, including Tylonycteris bat CoV HKU4, dromedary camel CoV UAE-HKU23, human CoV-229E, human CoV-OC43, severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 and rabbit CoV HKU14, where none of them showed false-positive results. The assay was further validated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-confirmed MERS-CoV-positive and MERS-CoV-negative dromedary nasal samples collected in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, which showed that the rapid antigen detection assay has a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 91.7%.

Evaluating the Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Iraq under the Corona Pandemic using the CAMELS Criterion

Due to environmental factors such as the Corona pandemic and capital adequacy and liquidity requirements, the financial performance of commercial banks has been poor. Researchers and policymakers are required to focus on this phenomenon. Consequently, this article examines the effect of CAMELS criteria such as capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity on the return on equity in Iraqi commercial banks. Using twenty commercial bank databases, the study compiled secondary data from 2011 to 2020. The Moments-Quantile-Regression (MMQR) methods were also used to investigate the relationship between variables. Capital sufficiency, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity correlate positively with return on equity in Iraqi commercial banks. Using the CAMELS criterion, the study guides regulators in developing bank profitability regulations during and after the Corona pandemic © 2022 AgBioForum

Chapter 3 - Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome

Middle East respiratory virus syndrome (MERS) is a viral disease that primarily affects the respiratory system, but also has a major impact on the kidneys and nervous system and, to a lesser extent, on the intestines, liver, and heart. Over 2500 cases and 850 deaths have been confirmed as of 2019. The fatality rate is approximately 35%, more than that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 (that causes COVID-19). The first known case of MERS in humans was reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia but the virus was present in stored serum samples from dromedary (one-humped) camels from Africa and the Middle East for decades before that time. Since then, it spread to at least 27 countries around the world, most of which are related to travel to the Arabian Peninsula. The coronavirus that causes MERS, MERS-CoV, is related to several other human coronaviruses that typically cause cold-like illness as well as to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. MERS-CoV is from the subgenus Merbecovirus, while SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are in Sarbecovirus. MERS-CoV also uses dipeptidyl peptidase 4 as its host cell receptor, while SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. While MERS-CoV is transmittable between people in close contact with an infected person, many infections are zoonotic and are due to inhaling infectious respiratory droplets from dromedaries or consuming their raw milk or urine. Many cases are nosocomial (acquired in healthcare facilities). Fortunately, MERS-CoV only can pass through several rounds of human-to-human transmission, unlike SARS-CoV-2. Much of the pathology is due to an excessive inflammatory type of immune response caused by cytokines and chemokines, abnormal blood coagulation, and virus-induced apoptosis (programmed cell death). Bats appear to be the reservoir hosts and should be monitored for possible zoonotic transmission outside of the Middle East, in line with the One Health approach.

Chapter 6 - Coronaviruses of agricultural and companion animals with the potential for zoonotic transmission

Several human coronaviruses cause high mortality rates and are highly contagious, while others cause cold-like illnesses. These viruses are believed to enter human populations by zoonotic transmission from animal intermediate hosts from live animal markets in China [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV) from palm civets/raccoon dogs and SARS-CoV-2 possibly from pangolins] or dromedary camels in the Arabian Peninsula (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus). Some bats may act as reservoir hosts. While much focus on the possible reservoir and intermediate hosts for future zoonotic transmission focuses on bats or rodents, humans spend much more time with agricultural animals, including cattle, pigs, camelids, and horses, particularly pigs, which host six coronaviruses. One pig coronavirus is a deltacoronavirus, a genus that almost exclusively contains bird viruses. The species Betacoronavirus-1, represented by a bovine coronavirus, contains members that infect other animal hosts, as do the Alphacoronavirus-1 species. Humans spend large amounts of time in the company of their companion animals, such as cats and dogs. Some contact is intimate, including allowing these animals to sleep with their owners and lick their faces. In addition to possible zoonotic transmission, humans transmit coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, to domestic and captive exotic cats, some of which are endangered. Human-to-cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has caused severe disease in juvenile domestic cats. People are also regularly in contact with animal fecal material. Some diseases caused by animal coronaviruses are typically mild, while others cause severe, life-threatening diseases. Both morbidity and mortality in agricultural animals have a great economic impact on developing and developed regions of the world. Due to close, prolonged contact between humans and agricultural and companion animals, it may be a matter of great importance to spend more time and resources studying the potential for coronaviruses of domestic animals to cause zoonotic transmission.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in an adult dromedary camel: short communication

MERS-CoV was isolated from nasal swabs for 10 days from an adult female camel which displayed clear nasal discharge from both nostrils. When MERS-CoV ELISA antibodies appeared in the camel's blood, the virus was no longer present in its nasal cavities.

Public awareness of coronavirus in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia.

Aim: Since 2012 and to date, outbreak/new cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) were always reported in Saudi Arabia. Al-Jouf region is considered as one of the most vulnerable areas to the disease outbreak. This research aimed to assess (to the best of our knowledge), for the first time, the current level of awareness towards MERS-CoV among the Al-Jouf region population through a well-designed multistage questionnaire. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study of 384 participants recruited from various places in Al-Jouf government was conducted through a valid and reliable questionnaire including sociodemographic and MERS-CoV knowledge data. Results: The majority of the participants showed generally moderate knowledge about MERS-CoV. Age, education, and occupation were the only significant predictors of the level of low awareness concern. Also, the public awareness about the nature, communicability, and lethal effect of the disease was good overall; however, knowledge about incubation period, clinical picture, and epidemiology of the disease needs more governmental concern. The Ministry of Health was the main source of information. Conclusion: Empowering public information regarding the incubation period and epidemiology of the disease is needed. Frequent communication between healthcare providers and both school students and non-educated individuals is recommended to help the Saudi government in controlling the disease outbreak.

Serosurvey for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus antibody in dromedary camels and human patients at a secondary care hospital, Illela, Northwest Nigeria.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a serious emerging zoonosis. It is characterized by severe infection of the respiratory tract in humans. Dromedary camels are considered to be the most probable origin of the pathogenic Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This cross-sectional survey was carried out to ascertain the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in dromedary camels at Illela border and human patients in a secondary care hospital in Illela, Sokoto State, Nigeria from November 2016 to January 2017. Serum samples from 74 camels and 39 human patients were collected while a data form was administered to the camel handlers (40) and human patients to obtain information on zoographic characteristics of dromedary camels, demographic characteristics of camel handlers and human patients and some practices of both groups which are likely to predispose to MERS-CoV infection. The serum samples were analyzed for antibodies against MERS-CoV using the indirect Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA). All the camels sampled were seropositive against MERS-CoV and 74% of the human patients had antibodies against MERS. All handlers treated their camels without consulting veterinarians and there was little or no biosecurity measures undertaken. Age, sex, and occupation were not significant determinants for the presence of MERS-CoV antibody in human patients sampled. This study serves as a baseline for similar researches and due to the high seroprevalence obtained in this study for both camels and humans, there is need for trained personnel, surveillance and diagnostic tools at our border posts and animal markets. Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00580-022-03351-3.

Coronavirus infections in large and small ruminants

Coronavirus infections rank first in the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system in large and small ruminants. The paper analyzes the occurrence, spread, development, trends and prevention of coronavirus infections in ruminants in Bulgaria, Europe and around the world. Retrospective, descriptive and statistical methods were used. The experience and the specifics of the coronavirus diseases encountered so far in large and small ruminants - cattle, buffaloes, camels, deer, sheep and goats and their epizootic character are summarized.

Using Google trends to assess COVID-19 related web search behaviour in Arabian Peninsula

Background: The relatively small, populated countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) of the Arabian Peninsula have recorded high per-capita COVID-19 infection rates. These countries also have a high internet penetrance rate with a large Google share. Google Trends is a freely accessible online tool that allows the user to analyze trends in public Google searches during a given period and across a specified region. This paper investigates the use of this tool to study public awareness of COVID-19 in the selected countries.

Viral and Bacterial Zoonotic Agents in Dromedary Camels from Southern Tunisia: A Seroprevalence Study.

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 clearly demonstrated the potential of zoonotic diseases to cause severe harm to public health. Having limited access to medical care combined with severe underreporting and a lack of active surveillance, Africa carries a high burden of neglected zoonotic diseases. Therefore, the epidemiological monitoring of pathogen circulation is essential. Recently, we found extensive Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence in free-roaming dromedary camels from southern Tunisia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the seroprevalence, and thus the risk posed to public health, of two additional viral and two bacterial pathogens in Tunisian dromedaries: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. via ELISA. With 73.6% seropositivity, most animals had previously been exposed to the causative agent of Q fever, C. burnetii. Additionally, 7.4% and 1.0% of the dromedaries had antibodies against Brucella and RVFV, respectively, while no evidence was found for the occurrence of FMDV. Our studies revealed considerable immunological evidence of various pathogens within Tunisian dromedary camels. Since these animals have intense contact with humans, they pose a high risk of transmitting serious zoonotic diseases during active infection. The identification of appropriate countermeasures is therefore highly desirable.

Longitudinal and abattoir-based surveillance of MERS-CoV in camels in Jordan, 2018-2020.

To generate baseline information to help better understand the antibody kinetics and nasal shedding dynamics of MERS-CoV in camels in Jordan, a longitudinal surveillance study was conducted in two phases; phase 1 was between December, 2018 and January, 2019 and phase 2 between August and December 2020. In each phase, two camel herds were studied. These herds were located in Al-azraq and in Al-ramtha area and were named Al-azraq and Al-ramtha herds, respectively. The same camel herd of Al-zarqa area was sampled in both phases while two different camel herds, one in each phase, were sampled in Al-ramtha area. Blood and nasal swabs were collected from same selected animals in all visits to each herd in both phases. Additionally, nasal swabs and retropharyngeal lymph node tissue samples were collected from sixty-one camels slaughtered at Al-ramtha abattoir during phase 2 to enhance virus isolation opportunities and phylogenetic analysis. All sampled animals from Al-azraq camel herd were either borderline or seropositive on spike 1 based ELISA assay and negative on quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in both phases. In Al-ramtha camel herds, an unsteady pattern prevailed in animals' seropositivity in both phases and viral RNA was detected in all animals in the end of phase 1 and in one animal during phase 2. For the seroconversion, anti-MERS-CoV spike 1 antibodies were detected in two animals in phase 1 in the first collection only. While, in phase 2, intermittent seroconversion pattern was observed in several samples over time of collections that ended with all animals became seropositive in the last collection (after nineteen days from viral RNA detection). In addition, viral RNA was detected in nasal swabs of 3 slaughtered camels. Phylogenetic analysis of a partial fragment of spike 1 gene sequences of all MERS-CoV isolates clustered together with clade B of MERS-CoV. This cluster contains all MERS-CoV sequences obtained either from camels or human sources in the Arabian Peninsula indicating the continuous circulation of this clade also in Jordan.

Risk Factors for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection among Camel Populations, Southern Jordan, 2014-2018.

After the first detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in camels in Jordan in 2013, we conducted 2 consecutive surveys in 2014-2015 and 2017-2018 investigating risk factors for MERS-CoV infection among camel populations in southern Jordan. Multivariate analysis to control for confounding demonstrated that borrowing of camels, particularly males, for breeding purposes was associated with increased MERS-CoV seroprevalence among receiving herds, suggesting a potential route of viral transmission between herds. Increasing age, herd size, and use of water troughs within herds were also associated with increased seroprevalence. Closed herd management practices were found to be protective. Future vaccination strategies among camel populations in Jordan could potentially prioritize breeding males, which are likely to be shared between herds. In addition, targeted management interventions with the potential to reduce transmission between herds should be considered; voluntary closed herd schemes offer a possible route to achieving disease-free herds.