Role of Human Coronaviruses in Acute Respiratory Infections and Seroprevalence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in children

Fahmy, Ghada A.; Erfan, Dina M.; Magdy, Sondos M.; Hassan, Rania A.

doi:DOI:https://doi.org/10.51429/EJMM29409

Role of Human Coronaviruses in Acute Respiratory Infections and Seroprevalence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in children

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

¹ Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine-Ain Shams University

² Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine-Ain Shams University

DOI:https://doi.org/10.51429/EJMM29409

Abstract

Background: Coronaviruses have been the focus of many studies since the emergence of SARS-CoV. Data on the role of MERS-CoV in respiratory tract infection and the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in Egypt are limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the role of coronaviruses in respiratory tract infections and the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in pediatric age group. Methodology: Respiratory samples were collected from 80 children with respiratory infections for detection of coronaviruses using PCR technique. Serum samples were collected from 200 children for detection of MERS-CoV IgG immunolglobulins. Results: 4 out of 80 (5%) of the respiratory samples tested positive for coronavirus (OC43 subtype). None of respiratory samples tested positive for MERS-CoV, while MERS-CoV IgG was detected in 1% of serum samples.Conclusion: A low prevalence of coronaviruses was observed in children with respiratory infection. A seroprevalence of 1% MERS-CoV was detected. Further studies are recommended on larger scale.

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