Mapping the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) related Research – A Scoping Review (2012-2023)

Background Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), is a zoonotic disease caused by MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The purpose of this scoping review was to take stock of the empirical research evidence for MERSDCoV, map the information to priority research areas as set out in existing MERS-CoV research roadmaps, identify technical areas that received less attention and set recommendations for the advancement of MERS-CoV research. Methods We undertook a scoping review for MERS-CoV, comprehensively searching the three databases PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL for studies published between 1 January 2012 and 24 January 2023. Two reviewers screened studies and extracted data using a pilot-tested screening form. We categorized studies into priority research areas outlined in existing roadmaps and summarized the evidence available for each category. Results A total of 1,264 records were included in the review, assigned into pre-defined categories. 33% of the included records were molecular genetics studies, followed by therapeutic studies (17.6%) and pathogenesis studies (15.6%). We found that, while there has been a substantial research effort on MERS-CoV, many technical themes pertaining to the areas of animal, human, animal-human interface, and environmental research identified by FAO, WHO, and WOAH in the past have not sufficiently been addressed to date. This includes asymptomatic human cases role in transmission, human exposure risk from dromedary products, reinfection, analyses of camel value chain and production systems, and anthropological studies characterizing interactions at the animal-human interface, in addition to studies highlighting the role of environmental factors in MERS-CoV transmission. Conclusion Our study highlights the continued need for coordinated action to better prepare for, prevent, detect, and respond to MERS-CoV. Examples include the need for enhancing collaborative surveillance, accelerating the development of MERS-CoV medical countermeasures, strengthening community protection, reducing MERS-CoV transmission at healthcare facility level and reinforcing multi-sectoral coordination using the One Health approach.