Abstract:
Background Coronaviruses (CoVs) pose significant health risks to humans, with recent outbreaks like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) underscoring their zoonotic potential. Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) have been implicated as intermediate hosts for MERS-CoV, prompting heightened surveillance efforts. This study aims to identify non-MERS-CoV CoVs in imported camels at the Jeddah seaport, Saudi Arabia, using molecular techniques. Methods Camel nasal swabs (n = 337) were collected from imported dromedary camels arriving at the Jeddah Islamic seaport from Sudan and Djibouti. Samples were tested for CoVs using real-time real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene. Positive samples were confirmed by conventional RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Selected samples underwent RNA sequencing to identify viral genomes. The study underscores the importance of molecular surveillance in camels to mitigate zoonotic risks. Results Out of 337 camel samples tested, 28 (8.30%) were positive for CoVs, predominantly from camels imported from Djibouti, compared to Sudan (13.39% vs. 5.78%). Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of non-MERS CoVs, including camel alpha-coronavirus and human CoV-229E-related strains. These findings highlight potential viral diversity and transmission risks in imported camel populations. Conclusion This study identifies diverse CoVs circulating in imported dromedary camels at the Jeddah Islamic seaport, Saudi Arabia, underscoring their potential role in zoonotic transmission. Enhanced surveillance and collaborative efforts are essential to mitigate public health risks associated with novel coronavirus strains from camel populations.
摘要:
背景冠状病毒(CoV)对人类构成重大健康风险,随着最近的爆发,如严重急性呼吸道综合症冠状病毒(SARS-CoV),中东呼吸综合征冠状病毒(MERS-CoV),和严重急性呼吸道综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)强调了它们的人畜共患潜力。骆驼(Camelusdromedarius)被认为是MERS-CoV的中间宿主,促使加强监视工作。这项研究旨在识别吉达海港进口骆驼中的非MERS-CoVCoV,沙特阿拉伯,使用分子技术。方法从来自苏丹和吉布提的吉达伊斯兰海港的进口单峰骆驼中收集骆驼鼻拭子(n=337)。使用靶向RNA依赖性RNA聚合酶基因的实时实时逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)测试样品的CoV。通过常规RT-PCR和Sanger测序确认阳性样品。选择的样品进行RNA测序以鉴定病毒基因组。该研究强调了分子监测对减轻人畜共患风险的重要性。结果在337个骆驼样品中,28(8.30%)对CoV呈阳性,主要来自吉布提进口的骆驼,与苏丹相比(13.39%vs.5.78%)。序列分析证实了非MERSCoV的存在,包括骆驼α冠状病毒和人类CoV-229E相关菌株。这些发现强调了进口骆驼种群中潜在的病毒多样性和传播风险。结论这项研究确定了吉达伊斯兰海港进口单峰骆驼中流通的多种CoV,沙特阿拉伯,强调它们在人畜共患传播中的潜在作用。加强监测和合作努力对于减轻与骆驼种群新型冠状病毒株相关的公共卫生风险至关重要。