%0 Journal Article %A Mohammed Khalid %A Basha Khan %A Khaliq Agha Rehan %A Quaid Nadri %A Abdullah Al Mobeireek %A Ruwaida AlIsmaili %A Mehar Rehman %A Taimur Butt %A Mohammed Zeitouni %A Abdullah Al Dalaan %A Sarfraz Saleemi %A Khalid Maghrabi %A Eid Al Mutairy %T Late-breaking abstract: Role of interferon-á2b and ribavirin in MERS-CoV infection as treatment and prophylaxis %D 2014 %J European Respiratory Journal %P P2453 %V 44 %N Suppl 58 %X Introduction: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the Kingdom with 60% mortality is alarming. We report 6 patients with MERS-CoV infection treated with Interferon-á2b and Ribavirin. Results:All MERS-CoV positive PCR. Active disease 1-4 (Table 1), 2 asymptomatic contacts 5-6 (table 1) out of 53contacts tested for virus. Active patient progressed to respiratory and multisystem failure. Patient 1-3 (table 1) were older age/comorbid condition, died. Patient #4 (Table 1) was diagnosed early with treatment recovered. 2 contact cases with early lung infiltrates which resolved after treatment.Discussion:MERS-CoV is associated with high mortality. It attaches to DPP4 receptors in the lower respiratory tract, kidneys, liver and prostate leading to respiratory and multi-organ failure. Older patients with comorbid condition and delay in treatment associated in high mortality. Treatment in proven and asymptomatic contacts may prevent mortality and morbidity.Conclusion: MERS-CoV infection is associated with high mortality in older patients with comorbid condition and in whom diagnosis and the treatment is delayed. Early intervention for confirmed cases with disease manifestation and confirmed MERS CoV asymptomatic cases may respond to the treatment. Human to human transmission is quite low.View this table:Table1:Patients Overview %U