China completes genome sequencing of imported MERS case

Scientists have completed sequencing the genome of the first case of imported Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and found no evidence of variation that would make the virus more contagious. The sequencing was accomplished on Wednesday by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in cooperation with health department of Guangdong Province, where the case was reported on May 29. The genome map of the virus shows high homology with MERS-CoV detected in the Middle East. Scientists believe the strain originated in Saudi Arabia. The result of the sequencing has been uploaded to GenBank at National Center for Biotechnology Information in the United States. The patient from the Republic of Korea who tested positive for MERS is still being treated at Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital in Guangdong. By testing and comparing genome sequence of different strains, scientists may find effective measures to prevent the spread of the disease.