CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS IN SELECTED KEBELES OF YABELLO DISTRICT OF BORENA ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA
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Date
2019-06
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Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome is a respiratory and an enteric disease caused by a recently
discovered virus called MERS-CoV. It is a zoonotic virus in which camels are implicated as the
major source of infection in humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February, 2018
to April, 2019, with the objectives of detection and characterization of MERS-CoV and
determining the seroprevalence and its association with risk factors. The study animals were
camels found in Borena zone, in three kebeles, namely, Areri, Dikale and Harwoyu of Yabello
district. A total of 1050 nasal swab and 525 sera samples were collected at a rate of 150 nasal
swab and 75 sera at a time. The nasal swab were tested for the presence of specific viral RNA
using qRT-PCR at Hong Kong University and NAHDIC.The sera samples were tested for the
presence IgG antibody using indirect ELISA at NAHDIC, Ethiopia. Additionally 75 of 525
serums were retested by ppNT in Hong Kong University. Based on ELISA result, the overall
seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in the study area was 74% (390/525, 95%CI 70 to78).Association
of risk factors with seroprevalence was identified. The seroprevalence found were 87% in adult,
48% in young’s and 50% in juvenile camels, the variation was statistically significant, adjusted
OR; 7.5 CI= 4.5 - 12.4.Also small size herd had 80% seroprevalence than medium 78.8% and
large herd size 67.8%, the variation was statistically significant, adjusted OR; 3.44;CI=1.76 to
6.75.High seroprevalence was recorded in Dikale 76% than Harwoyu74% and Areri 72%. ,the
variation was statistically significant,adjusted OR=2.3;CI=1.27to4.35.Gravid females had high
seroprevalence 91% than lactating 83% and dry females 67%,the variation was statistically
significant,adjusted OR= 1.5;CI=1.045 to 2.917.No statistical significance difference was
observed among sexs and sampling seasons.In comparison of the two serology methodologies,
69% of the test result agreed, and showed higher seroprevalence of MERS-CoV antibody in all
kebeles of Yabello district camels which reflects the evidence of prior MERS-CoV infection. All
1050 nasal swab samples showed negative result. Zero detection might suggest absence of active
circulation of the virus at the time of sampling and the need of designing longitudinal based
active surveillance by concidering the calving season of the camels and the short viral shedding
window (2-5days). Early detection and imposing control intervention reduces risk of transmission
of the virus to the pastoralist and consumers of camel products in the country.
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Keywords
MERS-CoV, camels, seroprevalence