Coronaviruses (CoV) are large positive-stranded RNA viruses causing mainly respiratory and enteric disease in a range of animals and in humans. Humans are known to maintain circulation of 4 different human coronaviruses (hCoV) at a global population level. These are part of the spectrum of agents that cause the common cold. The SARS-CoV [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus] constitutes a 5th hCoV, which was in circulation for a limited time during 2002 and 2003, when a novel virus appeared in humans and caused an outbreak affecting at least 8000 people. Mortality was high, at ca. 10 percent [1]. Symptoms matched the clinical picture of acute primary viral pneumonia, termed severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
During September 2012, health authorities were notified of 2 cases of severe hCoV infection caused by a novel virus type. Both patients had travelled, or resided, in Saudi Arabia. Laboratories dealing with each of these unlinked cases were situated in Jeddah, Rotterdam, and London, respectively. In a collaborative activity coordinated by major European and national epidemic response networks we have developed diagnostic real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays suitable for qualitative and quantitative detection of the new agent.
During September 2012, health authorities were notified of 2 cases of severe hCoV infection caused by a novel virus type. Both patients had travelled, or resided, in Saudi Arabia. Laboratories dealing with each of these unlinked cases were situated in Jeddah, Rotterdam, and London, respectively. In a collaborative activity coordinated by major European and national epidemic response networks we have developed diagnostic real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays suitable for qualitative and quantitative detection of the new agent.
