The Highly Interrelated Morbidity Respiratory Viruses Cause Among Humans and Animals in Mongolia

Mongolia is unique for its cold climate, its large populations of free-roaming livestock, its dense populations of people living in often crowded cities with high air pollution, and its subsequent elevated respiratory virus morbidity among its people and animals. In this narrative review, we examine what is known about this respiratory virus morbidity in Mongolia, organized through the lens of six respiratory virus families: Orthomyxoviridae, Coronaviridae, Pneumoviridae, Adenoviridae, Paramyxoviridae and Picornaviridae. We do so by summarizing published reports regarding respiratory virus morbidity affecting humans or animals in Mongolia. Reports were gathered through a comprehensive review of documents in English language that included peer-reviewed scientific publications, and summary reports from publicly available international health and development organizations. Our review describes the epidemiology and characteristics of specific viruses from these families, describes their transmission and health impacts, and highlights areas where further research and more public health or veterinary health interventions are needed.