Development and characterization of three novel mouse monoclonal antibodies targeting spike protein S1 subunit of Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus.

Background: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is a highly pathogenic virus that poses a significant threat to public health.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to develop and characterize novel mouse monoclonal antibodies targeting the spike protein S1 subunit of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV).

Methods: In this study, three mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against MERS-CoV were generated and characterized using hybridoma technology.

Analysis of the nasopharyngeal microbiome and respiratory pathogens in COVID-19 patients from Saudi Arabia.

Background: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may perturb normal microbiota, leading to secondary infections that can complicate the viral disease. The aim of this study was to probe the alteration of nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiota in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and obesity and to identify other respiratory pathogens among COVID-19 cases that may affect patients' health.

Methods: A total of 107 NP swabs, including 22 from control subjects and 85 from COVID-19 patients, were processed for 6S amplicon sequencing.

Lack of Zika Virus and Other Recognized Flaviviruses among the Mosquito Vectors during and Post the Hajj Mass Gathering.

Makkah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), contains many of the world's mosquito vectors of parasitic and arboviral disease and is the site of the Hajj mass gathering. As such there is a risk of exportation and globalization of vector-borne viruses, including the re-emerging Zika virus (ZIKV). There was international concern regarding the introduction of ZIKV to KSA and potential international spread of the virus following the 2016 Hajj which took place few days after the Rio summer Olympics at the height of the ZIKV pandemic.