In September 2012, health authorities were notified of several cases of severe hCoV infection caused by a novel virus type hCoV-EMC. The strain was redefined by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses into Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) since it was first reported in Saudi Arabia.
MERS-CoV is a beta coronavirus and causes respiratory infection of humans and dromedary camels. Several studies have confirmed that Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are the natural host and zoonotic source of the MERS-CoV infection in humans. Other animal species may also be susceptible to infection with MERS-CoV. However, their epidemiological significance has not been proven.
Positive RT-PCR results for MERS-CoV or isolation of the virus from dromedary camels are notifiable to the OIE . While the impact of MERS-CoV on animal health is very low, human infections have a significant public health impact.
Method
Real-Time RT-PCR.
Sample Type
Accredited:
Swab / Secretion (Respiratory).
Alternatives:
Culture, Serum.
Transport Condition
Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Specimens must be sent in RNA preservative media.
Turn Around Time (TAT)
Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 3 working days. Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.
In September 2012, health authorities were notified of several cases of severe hCoV infection caused by a novel virus type hCoV-EMC. The strain was redefined by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses into Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) since it was first reported in Saudi Arabia.
MERS-CoV is a beta coronavirus and causes respiratory infection of humans and dromedary camels. Several studies have confirmed that Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are the natural host and zoonotic source of the MERS-CoV infection in humans. Other animal species may also be susceptible to infection with MERS-CoV. However, their epidemiological significance has not been proven.
Positive RT-PCR results for MERS-CoV or isolation of the virus from dromedary camels are notifiable to the OIE . While the impact of MERS-CoV on animal health is very low, human infections have a significant public health impact.
Method
Real-Time RT-PCR.
Sample Type
Accredited:
Swab / Secretion (Respiratory).
Alternatives:
Culture, Serum.
Transport Condition
Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Specimens must be sent in RNA preservative media.
Turn Around Time (TAT)
Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 3 working days. Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.
