General

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

Published

7 years ago

August 19, 2019

Mark Wamai

Countries involved in this study. Results are indicated for each country as percentage of detected virus (RNA) and seropositive rate (Antibody) for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Maps adapted from http://d-maps.com/index.php. Source: MERS-COV in 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. We also performed longitudinal studies of three camel herds in Egypt and Jordan to elucidate MERS-CoV infection and transmission. Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 4027 nasal swabs and 3267 serum samples were collected from all countries. Real-time PCR revealed that MERS-CoV RNA was detected in nasal swab samples from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Microneutralization assay showed that antibodies were detected in all countries. Positive PCR samples were partially sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was built. The tree suggested
that all sequences are of clade C and sequences from camels in Egypt formed a separate group from previously published sequences. Longitudinal studies showed high seroprevalence in adult camels. These results indicate the widespread distribution of the virus in camels. A systematic active surveillance and longitudinal studies for MERS-CoV are needed to understand the epidemiology of
the disease and dynamics of viral infection.

Please see Downloads for full publication

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

General

For Youth by Youth – Call for Second Cohort Applications

Published

6 days ago

February 10, 2026

Mak Editor

For Youth by Youth - Call for Second Cohort Applications. Application Deadline: 20 Feb, 2026.

For Youth, By Youth is a global, youth-led movement committed to fostering conscious leadership and global solidarity as pathways to meaningful and lasting impact. Developed by 36 university students across 18 countries, this movement builds a network of engaged young leaders shaping a more just and equitable world.

BENEFITS

What You’ll Receive:

$2,500 scholarship for community action research
Mentorship & wellness coaching
Training in Storytelling, Responsible AI & Youth-led Participatory Action Research
International conferences & global network
3-Year Journey: Individual → Community → Institutional Transformation

Application Deadline: 20 Feb, 2026

Apply now

See downloads for details

2026 For Youth, By Youth Application Flyer_Part1 Download

2026 For Youth, By Youth Application Flyer_Part2 Download

General

Aptitude Exam (Paper 1) Results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme 2026/2027

Published

6 days ago

February 10, 2026

Mak Editor

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released Aptitude Test Examination results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 13^thDecember 2025.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

Please Note:

Candidates who are not satisfied with the results may appeal within two weeks from the release of these results through the application system: https://see.mak.ac.ug

General

Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

Published

2 weeks ago

February 4, 2026

Mak Editor

SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

Makerere-Advert-for-Graduate-Programmes-2026-2027 Download

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