Camels may be source of MERS virus transmission

Conclusion This study is valuable in being reportedly the first to examine animals for the presence of antibodies against the newly discovered MERS coronavirus. The study found that blood samples from all 50 dromedary camels from Oman contained antibodies able to neutralise MERS. Coronaviruses have various animal hosts, and some people who have caught MERS in the current outbreak in the Middle East are reported to have been in contact with dromedary camels or goats. Therefore, the findings suggest that camels could be a “biological reservoir” for MERS virus. However, as the researchers say, they have not been able to study blood samples from other common livestock species in the Middle Eastern region where cases have occurred, including cattle, sheep and goats (samples from these species tested in the current study were not from the Middle East). Therefore, they are not able to rule out the possibility of other animal reservoirs for this virus. Also, only 9% of the camels sampled from the Canary Islands were able to neutralise MERS. Judging by these lower levels, the researchers speculate that exposure to other animal reservoirs of the virus in this area (which could include wild rodents, rabbits, pigeons, doves and possibly bats) may be rare. Alternatively, there may have been an outbreak among animals there in the past. Whichever is the case, the situation in the Middle East is clearly different from that in the Canary Islands. As the researchers say, targeted studies ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Lifestyle/exercise Heart/lungs Source Type: news