SARS and MERS: recent insights into emerging coronaviruses

SARS and MERS: recent insights into emerging coronaviruses

27 Jun 2016 | Emmie de Wit, Neeltje van Doremalen, Darryl Falzarano and Vincent J. Munster
Emerging coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, have caused significant global health challenges. SARS-CoV emerged in 2002, leading to a worldwide outbreak, while MERS-CoV emerged in 2012. Both viruses are highly pathogenic and have high case fatality rates. Transmission occurs mainly through nosocomial routes, with MERS-CoV being more likely to spread in healthcare settings. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have similar clinical features, but MERS-CoV is more severe. Both viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets and can cause severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The pathogenesis of these viruses involves viral replication in the lower respiratory tract and an aberrant host immune response. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have been shown to bind to ACE2 and DPP4 receptors, respectively, for entry into host cells. The immune response plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of these viruses, with both viruses evading the innate immune response through various mechanisms. Current treatments for SARS and MERS include antiviral drugs, interferons, and host-directed therapies. However, the efficacy of these treatments in humans is still under investigation. Vaccines are being developed to prevent infection and reduce disease severity. The development of effective therapeutics and vaccines is crucial for controlling future outbreaks of emerging coronaviruses. The lessons learned from SARS and MERS outbreaks highlight the importance of rapid identification of the causative agent, development of diagnostic assays, and implementation of infection control measures in healthcare settings. The development of animal models and the use of in vitro studies are essential for understanding the pathogenesis of these viruses and for testing potential treatments. The need for rigorous clinical trials and the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics remains a priority in the fight against emerging coronaviruses.Emerging coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, have caused significant global health challenges. SARS-CoV emerged in 2002, leading to a worldwide outbreak, while MERS-CoV emerged in 2012. Both viruses are highly pathogenic and have high case fatality rates. Transmission occurs mainly through nosocomial routes, with MERS-CoV being more likely to spread in healthcare settings. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have similar clinical features, but MERS-CoV is more severe. Both viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets and can cause severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The pathogenesis of these viruses involves viral replication in the lower respiratory tract and an aberrant host immune response. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have been shown to bind to ACE2 and DPP4 receptors, respectively, for entry into host cells. The immune response plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of these viruses, with both viruses evading the innate immune response through various mechanisms. Current treatments for SARS and MERS include antiviral drugs, interferons, and host-directed therapies. However, the efficacy of these treatments in humans is still under investigation. Vaccines are being developed to prevent infection and reduce disease severity. The development of effective therapeutics and vaccines is crucial for controlling future outbreaks of emerging coronaviruses. The lessons learned from SARS and MERS outbreaks highlight the importance of rapid identification of the causative agent, development of diagnostic assays, and implementation of infection control measures in healthcare settings. The development of animal models and the use of in vitro studies are essential for understanding the pathogenesis of these viruses and for testing potential treatments. The need for rigorous clinical trials and the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics remains a priority in the fight against emerging coronaviruses.
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