الفهرس 
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Abstract
Background: Coronaviruses are known for their role in respiratory tract infections in children and have been the focus of many studies since the emergence of deadly strains including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Data on the role of MERS-CoV as a cause of respiratory tract infection and the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in Egypt are very limited.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the role of coronaviruses as a cause of respiratory tract infection including MERS-COV and the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in pediatric patients attending Ain Shams University Hospital
Methodology: Respiratory samples were collected from 80 children with respiratory infections for detection of coronaviruses using PCR technique. 200 serum samples were collected from 200 children (80 with respiratory infections and 120 with other medical conditions), for detection of MERS-CoV IgG using indirect immunofluorescence.
Results: 4 out of 80 (5%) of the respiratory samples tested positive for coronavirus (OC43 subtype). None of respiratory samples tested positive for MERS-CoV, while MERS-CoV IgG was detected in 1% of serum samples.
Conclusion: A very low prevalence of coronaviruses was observed in children with respiratory infection. A seroprevalence of 1% MERS-CoV was detected. Further studies are recommended on larger scale