Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection profile in Qatar: An 8-year experience

Abstract

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012. The objective of the study was to describe the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcome of MERS-CoV in Qatar. A total of 28 cases of MERS-CoV were identified, corresponding to an incidence of 1.7 per 1,000,000 population. Most patients had a history of contact with camels 15, travel to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 7 or known contact with individuals with confirmed MERS-CoV infection 7. Majority of patients had acute kidney injury (AKI) 17 and 9 needed renal replacement therapy. All patients were hospitalized, 14 required critical care support. Overall, total of 10 died. The immediate cause of death was multiorgan failure with acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) 9. MERS-CoV is a rare infection in the State of Qatar. There was no hospital outbreaks or healthcare worker reported infection. The infection causes severe respiratory failure and acute renal failure. Patients with AKI and on ventilator support carry higher risk of mortality.

Keywords

• MERS-CoV
• Pneumonia
• ARDS
• Dromedary camels
• Case fatality
• RT-PCR