MERS vaccine 'a step closer', say scientists

LONDON: An effective vaccine to protect against the virus that causes the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a step closer, a report in the Science journal suggests.
European scientists genetically modified a version of the smallpox vaccine to display MERS virus protein on its surface.
The vaccine was able to protect camels — the animal reservoir for the virus — from developing MERS virus symptoms.
Experts hope the vaccine might stop the virus from spreading in camels and may also protect humans at risk from infection.
The spread of MERS-coronavirus is limited to people who have close contact with those who are infected, such as family members and healthcare workers.
The vaccine targets the animals who are considered to be the primary host of the virus. It does not completely stop the camels from becoming infected but does dramatically reduce the amount of the virus found in the animal.
Dromedary camels, which are bred and raised for their milk, meat and racing, are thought to be the initial source of human outbreaks.
Humans catch the disease by coming in contact with infected camels, said the study in the journal Science.
Experts hope the vaccine will stop the virus spreading in camels and in turn protect humans.
The virus is particularly prevalent in juvenile camels, where infection results in mild symptoms that are similar to a common cold.
The virus is thought to pass to humans when they have contact with an infected camel's body fluids.
Commenting on the research, Dr Matthew Frieman, associate professor at the University of Maryland at Baltimore, told BBC News: "This is the first step toward developing a viable vaccine against MERS-CoV in camels which could reduce the reservoir for MERS-CoV in the Middle East thereby reducing the likelihood of the spread of the virus to humans."