New Monkey Model of Severe MERS-CoV Disease

New monkey model of severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection has been established by NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases researchers.

The same NIAID group in December 2012 developed the first animal model of MERS-CoV infection using rhesus macaques. That model has proven difficult to use for evaluating potential treatments because it mimics mild to moderate human disease, and the animals quickly recover from infection. Several research groups are working to develop mouse models of MERS-CoV infection, but they have yet to establish a severe disease model.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) - Causes Symptoms Treatment Prevention
MERS, a newly discovered respiratory disease, was recently reported in the Arabian region. MERS is caused by a virus similar to that causing common cold and other respiratory illnesses.

The MERS outbreak, which began in 2012, continues throughout the Middle East. Since the outbreak began, NIAID researchers have focused on understanding how the virus causes disease and how it can be treated effectively. As of July 23rd, the World Health Organization has reported a total of 837 human cases of MERS-CoV infection, including at least 291 deaths.

Source-Eurekalert

Quiz on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
MERS is a viral disease that has caused grave concern in the Arabian region. Test your knowledge on MERS by taking this quiz.

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