Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of Middle East respiratory syndrome.
- Author:
Yu ZHANG
1
;
Shao-hua CHEN
2
Author Information
1. Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou 310013 China.
2. Journal of Zhejiang University (Medical Sciences), Hangzhou 310007 China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Coronavirus Infections;
diagnosis;
epidemiology;
therapy;
Humans;
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus;
pathogenicity;
physiology;
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus;
metabolism;
Virus Internalization
- From:
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences
2015;44(4):443-450
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) has raised global public health concerns. The recent outbreak of MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection has led to 1 338 laboratory-confirmed cases in 26 countries worldwide as reported till 19 June, 2015. MERS-CoV may be considered a zoonotic virus that has crossed the species barrier to humans, but the pathogenesis and the routes of transmission are not completely understood. Most MERS-CoV cases reported thus far have a history of residence in or travel to the Middle East. Human-to-human transmission though was observed on some occasions in Korea, it is documented as non-sustainable event. The envelope spike glycoprotein on the surface of MERS-CoV which mediates receptor binding, membrane fusion and viral entry is thought to be involved in the mechanism of MERS-CoV.No specific and effective treatment for MERS-CoV is currently recommended, although supportive treatment has played an important role. Prophylactic strategies are necessary to prevent MERS-CoV infection.
