Journal of Applied Medical Sciences

Immunopathogenesis and epidemiology of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

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• Abstract

  The emergence of a novel coronavirus in the Arabian Peninsula has caused global concerns regarding its spread and control. The virus with nearly 40% case-fatality and with no available therapeutic intervention seems to be another pandemic in making. This is compounded by the fact that Saudi Arabia hosts every year nearly 2-3 million pilgrims for the Hajj season. A number of studies have been carried out on the characterization of the virus, its pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical presentation and source of infection, yet much remains to be established for the control and management of the disease. The present review tries to summarize the immune response and immunopathogenesis observed in patients and cell lines. We also look at the epidemiological analysis of MERS-CoV cases reported by Saudi ministry of health from August to November 2014, which also comprises of the Hajj season.