MERS-CoV Antibodies in Humans, Africa, 2013-2014

Emerg Infect Dis. 2016 Jun;22(6):1086-9. doi: 10.3201/eid2206.160064. Epub 2016 Jun 15.

Abstract

Dromedaries in Africa and elsewhere carry the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To search for evidence of autochthonous MERS-CoV infection in humans, we tested archived serum from livestock handlers in Kenya for MERS-CoV antibodies. Serologic evidence of infection was confirmed for 2 persons sampled in 2013 and 2014.

Keywords: Africa; MERS-CoV; Middle East respiratory syndrome; antibodies; coronavirus; eastern Kenya; humans; livestock handlers; viruses.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / history
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Farmers
  • Female
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus / immunology*
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Population Surveillance
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral