Background: Information on the duration of replicative Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) shedding is important for infection control.The detection of MERS-CoV sub-genomic here mRNAs indicates that the virus is replicative.This study examined the duration for detecting MERS-CoV sub-genomic mRNA compared with genomic RNA in diverse respiratory specimens.
Methods: Upper and lower respiratory samples were obtained from 17 MERS-CoV-infected patients.MERS-CoV sub-genomic mRNA was detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and MERS-CoV genomic RNA by real-time RT-PCR.Results: In sputum and transtracheal aspirate, sub-genomic mRNA was detected animed aniflex complete for up to 4 weeks after symptoms developed, which correlated with the detection of genomic RNA.
In oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swab specimens, the detection of sub-genomic mRNA and genomic RNA did not correlate.Conclusions: These findings suggest that MERS-CoV does not replicate well in the upper respiratory tract.Keywords: Coronavirus infections, RNA, Messenger, Respiratory system.