Prevalence of comorbidities in the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): a systematic review and meta-analysis

• This is a study on the prevalence of chronic diseases in 637 severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases.
• Diabetes and hypertension are equally prevalent in approximately 50% of the severe cases.
• Cardiac diseases and obesity are present in 30% and 16% of the cases, respectively.
• Chronic diseases, in addition to MERS-CoV, further impair the host's innate immunity.
• Public health vaccination for MERS-CoV should target subjects with chronic disorders.

SummaryThe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is associated with life-threatening severe illnesses and a mortality rate of approximately 35%, particularly in patients with underlying comorbidities. A systematic analysis of 637 MERS-CoV cases suggests that diabetes and hypertension are equally prevalent in approximately 50% of the patients. Cardiac diseases are present in 30% and obesity in 16% of the cases. These conditions down-regulate the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and impair the host's innate and humoral immune systems. In conclusion, protection against MERS-CoV and other respiratory infections can be improved if public health vaccination strategies are tailored to target persons with chronic disorders.