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

Published

9 years ago

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Map showing the distribution of Pipistrellus hesperidus (based on International Union for Conservation of Nature [IUCN] data) and the location of the bat sampled for the study. Source: Anthony et al 2017 MERSCoV mBIO

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. Here, we describe a MERS-like CoV identified from a Pipistrellus cf. hesperidus bat sampled in Uganda (strain PREDICT/PDF-2180), further supporting the hypothesis that bats are the evolutionary source of MERS-CoV. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PREDICT/PDF-2180 is closely related to MERS-CoV across much of its genome, consistent with a common ancestry; however, the spike protein was highly divergent (46% amino acid identity), suggesting that the two viruses may have different receptor binding properties. Indeed, several amino acid substitutions were identified in key binding residues that were predicted to block PREDICT/PDF-2180 from attaching to the MERS-CoV DPP4 receptor. To experimentally test this hypothesis, an infectious MERS-CoV clone expressing the PREDICT/PDF-2180 spike protein was generated. Recombinant viruses derived from the clone were replication competent but unable to spread and establish new infections in Vero cells or primary human airway epithelial cells. Our findings suggest that PREDICT/PDF-2180 is unlikely to pose a zoonotic threat. Recombination in the S1 subunit of the spike gene was identified as the primary mechanism driving variation in the spike phenotype and was likely one of the critical steps in the evolution and emergence of MERS-CoV in humans.

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Source: Prof. Denis K. Byarugaba, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University

Mark Wamai

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Education

Special University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27

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4 days ago

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April 28, 2026

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Students from the Department of Performing Arts on 4th April 2025.

The Academic Registrar Makerere University invites applications for the Special University Entry Examinations for admission to the Diploma in Performing Arts.

The examination will take place on Saturday 16th May, 2026.

Application process is online for those intending to sit the examination. Kindly note that there is payment of a non-refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000/- excluding bank charges in any (Stanbic Bank, Dfcu Post Bank, UBA and Centenary Bank). After filling the online application, you will be provided with 2 Past Papers.

To be eligible to sit the examinations, the candidate must possess an O’ Level Certificate (UCE) with at least 5 Passes.

The deadline for receiving the online applications is Tuesday 12th May 2026.

How to Apply

  • Application is online for ALL applicants.
  • Other relevant information can be obtained from Undergraduate Mature Age Office, Level 5, Room 505, Senate Building, Makerere University or can be accessed from https://see.mak.ac.ug
  • A non refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000= for Ugandans, East Africans Applicants (Including S. Sudan & DRC) OR US $ 75 or equivalent for international applicants plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
  • Apply through the application portal https://see.mak.ac.ug

Please see download below for the application portal user guide.

Diploma-Performing-Arts-2026-2027Download

Further inquiries may be sent to email: see@mak.ac.ug

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Diploma Holders Admission Lists under Government Sponsorship for 2026/2027 AY

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4 days ago

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April 28, 2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2026/2027.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

Makerere-University-Diploma-Holders-Government-Sponsorship-2026-2027Download

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Mature Age Examination Results for 2026/2027 Academic Year

Published

5 days ago

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April 27, 2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 13th December 2025.

Candidates who scored a minimum of 50% passed and have been recommended by the Pre-Entry & Mature Age Committee to the University’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

The Aptitude Exam (Paper 1) results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme 2026/2027 can be accessed by following this link.

Please follow the link below for the list:

Makerere_University_Mature-Age-Entry-Composite Results-2026-2027Download

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