MERS-CoV exposure and risk factors for MERS-CoV ELISA seropositivity among members of livestock-owning households in southern Jordan: a population based cross-sectional study

Background

Although dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are known to be the host reservoir for MERS-CoV, the virus causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), zoonotic transmission pathways and camel subpopulations posing highest transmission risk are poorly understood. Extensively managed herds, ubiquitous across the Arabian Peninsula, present a major potential source of primary infection. In this study we aimed to address key knowledge gaps regarding MERS epidemiology among high-risk communities associated with such herds, which is essential information for effective control strategies.

Methods

We did a cross-sectional study between Sept 27, 2017, and Oct 11, 2018, among members of livestock-owning households in southern Jordan (Aqaba East, Aqaba West, Ma’an East, and Ma’an West regions), with random selection of households (house and tent dwellings) from Ministry of Agriculture lists via computer-generated randomisation lists. Household visits were done, with questionnaires administered to household members regarding potential risk factors for MERS-CoV exposure in the past 6 months and blood samples and nasal and oral swabs collected, alongside physical examination data including blood pressure and blood glucose. Children younger than 5 years and individuals without capacity to provide informed consent were excluded. Serum was tested for IgG antibodies to MERS-CoV spike protein (S1 subunit) and nucleocapsid (N) protein with in-house indirect ELISAs, and viral RNA was detected in nasal and oral samples by RT-PCR. The primary outcome was evidence of MERS-CoV exposure (ascertained by seropositive status on S1 or N ELISAs, or a positive swab sample on RT-PCR); secondary outcomes were potential associations between possible risk factors and seropositive status. RT-PCR data were to be presented descriptively. Seroprevalence estimates were obtained at the individual and household levels, and associations between hypothetical risk factors and seropositive status were assessed with use of mixed-effects logistic regression.

Findings

We sampled 879 household members (median age 27 years [IQR 16–44]; 471 [54%] males and 408 [46%] females) from 204 households. 72 (8%) household members were seropositive on S1 ELISA (n=25, 3%) or N ELISA (n=52, 6%). No positive nasal or oral swab samples were identified on RT-PCR. Within-household clustering was identified for seropositivity on S1 ELISA (intraclass correlation coefficient 0·88 [0·35–0·96]) but not N ELISA (0·00 [0·00–0·27]). On multivariable analysis, S1 ELISA seropositivity was associated with frequently (≥weekly) interacting with young (age <1 year) camels (adjusted odds ratio [OR_adj] 3·85 [95% CI 1·41–11·61], p=0·011), with frequent kissing and petting (OR_adj 4·56 [1·55–15·42], p=0·0074), and frequent feeding and watering (OR_adj 4·97 [1·80–15·29], p=0·0027) of young camels identified as risk activities. Attending camel races (OR_adj 3·73 [1·11–12·47], p=0·029), frequently feeding and watering camels of any age (OR_adj 3·18 [1·12–10·84], p=0·040), and elevated blood glucose (>150 mg/dL; OR_adj 4·59 [1·23–18·36], p=0·021) were also associated with S1 ELISA seropositivity. Among individuals without history of camel contact, S1 ELISA seropositivity was associated with sharing a household with an S1 ELISA-positive household member (OR_adj 8·92 [1·06–92·99], p=0·044), and with sharing a household with an S1 ELISA-positive household member with history of camel contact (OR_adj 24·74 [2·72–306·14], p=0·0050). N ELISA seropositivity was associated with age (categorical, p=0·0069), a household owning a young camel (age <18 months; OR_adj 1·98 [1·02–4·09], p=0·043), and frequently feeding and watering camels of any age (OR_adj 1·98 [1·09–3·69]; p=0·025).

Interpretation

The study findings highlight the importance of effective MERS-CoV surveillance and control strategies among camel-owning communities in Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula. Juvenile dromedaries pose increased risk for zoonotic MERS-CoV transmission and should be prioritised for vaccination once such vaccines become available. Among high-risk communities, vaccination strategies should prioritise camel-owning households, particularly individuals engaged in camel husbandry or racing, and household members who are older or diabetic, with evidence to suggest secondary within-household transmission.

Funding

UK Medical Research Council and US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.