This section displays previous research related to Corona virus done by Makerere University Academicians.

The evolutionary history of ACE2 usage within the coronavirus subgenus Sarbecovirus

The findings provide important insights into the natural history of ACE2 usage for both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 and a greater understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms that shape zoonotic potential of coronaviruses. Read more: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2021/03/the-evolutionary-history-of-ace2-usage-within-the-coronavirus-subgenus-sarbecovirus/

Coronaviruses Detected in Bats in Close Contact with Humans in Rwanda

Bats living in close contact with people in Rwanda were tested for evidence of infection with viruses of zoonotic potential. Mucosal swabs from 503 bats representing 17 species were sampled from 2010 to 2014 and screened by consensus PCR for 11 viral families. Read more: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2019/12/coronaviruses-detected-bats-close-contact-humans-rwanda

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Dromedary Camels in Africa and Middle East

Dromedary camels are the natural reservoirs of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camels are mostly bred in East African countries then exported into Africa and Middle East for consumption. To understand the distribution of MERS-CoV among camels in North Africa and the Middle East, we conducted surveillance in Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda,Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Read more: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2019/08/middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-mers-cov-dromedary-camels-africa-and-middle

Viral causes of Influenza Like Illness in Uganda, 2008 to 2017

Respiratory pathogens continue to present an ever increasing threat to public health (1,2). Influenza, Respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus and other respiratory viruses are major etiological agents for influenza like illnesses (ILI) (3-5). Read more: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2018/12/viral-causes-influenza-illness-uganda-2008-2017

Further Evidence for Bats as the Evolutionary Source of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

The evolutionary origins of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are unknown. Current evidence suggests that insectivorous bats are likely to be the original source, as several 2c CoVs have been described from various species in the family Vespertilionidae. Read more: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2017/04/further-evidence-bats-evolutionary-source-middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus