Medical Science
Volume 25, Issue 112, June 2021
Differences and similarities between COVID-19 and MERS-CoV: The prospect of co-immunization
Abdullah Alotaibi1♦, Ehab Kamal Ahmed Sogeir2, Mohamed Ahmed Babikir I Bealy2,3, Amel B El Hag2
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, College of
Medicine, Hail of University, Saudi Arabia
2College of Medicine, University of Hail, Saudi Arabia
3Faculty of medical laboratory Science, University of Kordofan, El-Obeid,
Sudan
♦Corresponding author
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, College of
Medicine, Hail of University,
Saudi Arabia
ABSTRACT
Background: The nearby similarity of the coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV) intimating the possibility of
shared immunization. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the differences and similarities between COVID-19 and MERS-CoV: the
prospect of co-immunization. Methodology: This study included a cross-sectional random survey that recruited 211 contributors
living in the city of Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia, during the period from April 2020 to March 2021. A purposeful electronic
questionnaire was deliberated and distributed via various social media sets, regardless of age or gender. Information linked to
previous MERS-CoV or COVID19 previous infection was collected. The study population included two groups. Group one: tested
for MERS-CoV or COVID19 and found positive. Results: COVID19 and MERS-CoV infections were revealed in 28% and 27% of
persons, respectively. Out of the 55 patients infected with MERS-CoV, 24/55(43.6%) were subsequently infected with COVID19. The
risk of COVID19 infection associated with previous MERS-Cov infection, Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI), OR
(95%CI) = 2.782(1.436-5.391), P-value = 0.002. Out of 21 persons with a family history of MERS-CoV, 7/21(33%) were subsequently
infected with COVID19. Conclusion: Previous MERS-CoV infection does not precludelater COVID19 infection. People with previous
MERS-CoV infection are more susceptible to COVID19 infection. Males and older individuals are more susceptible to be infected
with COVID19 with severe clinical manifestations.
Keywords: COVID19, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, Saudi Arabia, Immunization
Medical Science, 2021, 25(112), 1372-1380
