Supporting data for Studying The Emergence Potential of Betacoronaviruses Using Serological and Reverse Genetics Approaches

In order to determine the potential animal host of MERS-CoV, indirect Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid (N) were established to detect MERS-CoV specific antibodies in Bactrian and hybrid camels from Dubai, UAE and Bactrian camels from Xinjiang, China. Neutralization antibody test was used to confirm the seropositivity. The results showed that 41.4% (12/29) of the samples from Bactrian camels and 54.5% (6/11) of the samples from hybrid camels in Dubai were seropositive to MERS-CoV. Competitive ELISA based on N protein was developed for serodiagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 among different animal species. Ninety-four serum samples of different animals from an amusement park including dolphins, giant pandas, harbour seals, koala, spotted seals, lions, and walruses were tested and none of these animals were seropositive to SARS-CoV-2.