IFN-α2a or IFN-β1a in combination with ribavirin to treat Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus pneumonia: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is associated with significant mortality. We examined the utility of plasma MERS-CoV PCR as a prognostic indicator and compared the efficacies of IFN-α2a and IFN-β1a when combined with ribavirin in reducing MERS-CoV-related mortality rates.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 32 patients with confirmed MERS-CoV infection, admitted between April 2014 and June 2014, by positive respiratory sample RT-PCR. Plasma MERS-CoV RT-PCR was performed at the time of diagnosis for 19 patients.

Results

The overall mortality rate was 69% (22/32). Ninety percent (9/10) of patients with positive plasma MERS-CoV PCR died compared with 44% (4/9) of those with negative plasma MERS-CoV PCR. Mortality rate in patients who re

SUBMITTER: Shalhoub S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7202429 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature