Investigation of MERS-CoV seropositivity among Umrah visitors from the Çorum Region of Turkey

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Since the vast majority of cases (more than 85%) are reported from Saudi Arabia, there is a pandemic potential for pilgrimage due to Hajj or Umrah. It is reported from Turkey that more than 400 thousand people went to Saudi Arabia for umrah and 61 thousand people for Hajj in 2014. In this study it is aimed to investigate the patients who had just returned from Makkah for Umrah and who also applied to the Infectious Disease Clinics at the Hitit University Erol Olcok Training and Research Hospital for having respiratory tract symptoms. Their serologic situations have been determined by ELISA whether there is any risk in terms of performing the Hajj and Umrah, and contracting MERS-CoV. Between January 1st to the 31st of October 2015, 40 people were included in this study, which were admitted to our hospital with upper respiratory tract complaints and had previously been in Saudi Arabia for Umrah within the last 15 days. As a control group, 40 healthy people without any complaints and travel histories to risky areas were selected. Their serum samples were taken and searched by MERS-CoV IgG ELISA (Euroimmun AG, Lübeck, Germany). The results ≤0.8 were considered as negative, ≥1.1 were as positive, 0.8-1.1 were suspected. All suspected and positive results have been revaluated and confirmed. Only two (5%) individuals from the patients’ group were found as positive for the MERS-CoV IgG antibodies, but individuals from the remaining patients’ group and also all control group members were determined as negative. Travels to Saudi Arabia could be a risk for exposure to MERS-CoV. Although there is no evidence, contamination could be realized by anthropologically due to crowds.