March 3, 2026Open Access

Epidemiology and genomic features of MERS coronavirus in Africa: a systematic and meta-analysis review

Key Points

Young dromedaries show the highest MERS-CoV RNA positivity, indicating significant viral presence in livestock.
Elevated seroprevalence among camel-exposed humans suggests many might be infected yet remain asymptomatic.
Systematic review and meta-analysis utilized data on MERS-CoV prevalence from various sources across Africa.
Ongoing evolution of MERS-CoV underscores critical need for genomic surveillance to track potential adaptations in humans.

Abstract

We found the highest MERS-CoV RNA positivity in young dromedaries. Elevated MERS-CoV seroprevalence in mainly asymptomatic camel-exposed humans suggests an underestimation of MERS-CoV infections in Africa. The ongoing MERS-CoV evolution emphasises the need for active genomic surveillance to monitor signatures of human adaptation.

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Authors

Brian Ogoti

Victor Riitho

Johanna Wildemann

Journals

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

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Institutions

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

University of Nairobi

References and Citations

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Epidemiology and genomic features of MERS coronavirus in Africa: a systematic and meta-analysis review

Key Points

Abstract

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

Authors

Journals

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

Citation Network

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Discussion

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