Detection and diagnosis

Molecular testing is the predominant method of analyzing whether or not MERS-Cov-1 is present in samples taken from the lungs of infected humans. PCR analysis tests directly for the presence of MERS in serous material collected from the lining of the throat, but success of PCR testing for MERS depends on the quality of the sample, and degradation of the RNA genome occurs quickly, increasing the difficulty of accurate tests. 

Molecular PCR testing is very sensitive, able to pick up 99% of infections when tested for the specific section of genome amplified by PCR analysis. Because there are 7 specific strains of the MERS virus, you can amplify the genome of the strain you are interested in studying and just seek that in serological or molecular analysis.  

Serological analysis is a popular method of testing individuals for the presence of antibodies for MERS. If antibodies are present in serological samples, it would indicate the individual had previously been exposed to MERS. This is particularly helpful when testing herds of camels for the virus. 

Serological analysis is very specific, because the antibodies present can be different and specific for one of the 7 strains of MERS. In this case, you can also use serological analysis with PCR to test for specific strains of the MERS virus down to different sequences of the genome.