Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Treatment and Prevention

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) represents a new enzootic coronavirus that was initially described in 2012. The clinical scope of MERS-CoV infection in humans spans from an asymptomatic or very mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure, with a case-fatality rate reaching 36%.

At the moment, there are no specific treatment options that were validated for MERS‐CoV infection; hence, the backbone of managing critically ill patients infected with MERS-CoV is supportive, evidence-based care. Admission to the intensive care unit is often required for close monitoring (for example, affected individuals with high oxygen requirements) or adequate organ support.

Management of Respiratory Failure and Acute Kkidney Injury

Early supportive management entails supplemental oxygen for respiratory distress and shock, as well as early mechanical ventilation for persistent hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood), or substantial respiratory distress. Patients presenting with acute respiratory distress syndrome should be given evidence-based care that involves a lung-protective ventilation strategy.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation and high-flow oxygen should be either avoided or used with vigilance in patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome due to the lack of effectiveness in individuals with acute respiratory distress syndrome coupled with the potential to generate aerosols. Moreover, systemic corticosteroids should not be given unless required for some other indication.

Conservative fluid management is advised, especially if hypoxemia is present and there is an absence of shock. The exact timing of renal replacement therapy in patients with acute kidney injury is still controversial, and it must be noted that fluid overload at the start of such replacement has been linked to a worse outcome.

Specific Treatment Modalities

As our knowledge on interferon, ribavirin and convalescent plasma for the treatment of MERS-CoV is limited, no specific treatment can currently be officially recommended. Several clinical studies researching a combination of interferon and ribavirin showed inconsistent results.

Still, research in rhesus macaque monkeys found that there was a reduction in replication of MERS-CoV that led to better outcomes with the administration of two drugs (i.e. interferon and ribavirin) given in combination. Furthermore, in treated animals there was a significant reduction in local and systemic levels of proinflammatory markers.

Several studies from independent laboratories have promulgated the development of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against MERS‐CoV, but we still do not have any clinical data on the topic. Drugs with potential antiviral or anti-inflammatory effects (such as anti-tumor necrosis factor agents and mycophenolic acid) may emerge as possible treatment options.

Prevention and Control

The appropriate control and prevention of MERS-CoV infection relies on the identification of the definite host, the interference in animal-to-human transmission, and the application of adequate infection control measures in healthcare settings.

Due to the known risk of transmission within hospitals and healthcare system in general, contact isolation, droplet isolation and airborne infection control precautions should be instituted – especially during aerosol-generating procedures. Until transfer, all patients should wear a face mask and they should be isolated in a closed-door room. In addition, hand hygiene should be strictly performed, and all visits should be controlled and restricted.

At the moment there is no licensed vaccine for MERS-CoV, thus its development has been the focus of many different research laboratories. Vaccination of dromedary camels is one way to reduce zoonotic transmission, although the long-term effectiveness of such a strategy remains to be seen.

In conclusion, much remains to be learned about MERS-CoV; until then, we must strive for more epidemiological research, improved surveillance, and the development of novel therapies and vaccines. In addition, the momentum of recent achievements in terms of improved apprehension of disease patterns should be continued to help the global scientific community in addressing remaining questions about this virus and the disease it causes.

Further Reading

• All MERS-CoV Content
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Overview
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Symptoms
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Diagnosis
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Epidemiology

Written by

Dr. Tomislav Meštrović

Dr. Tomislav Meštrović is a medical doctor (MD) with a Ph.D. in biomedical and health sciences, specialist in the field of clinical microbiology, and an Assistant Professor at Croatia's youngest university – University North. In addition to his interest in clinical, research and lecturing activities, his immense passion for medical writing and scientific communication goes back to his student days. He enjoys contributing back to the community. In his spare time, Tomislav is a movie buff and an avid traveler.