Ebola virus disease and the search for a cure

Ebola virus disease (EVD) was first identified in 1976 in Yambuku, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), and is caused by an RNA virus in the filovirus family (Feldmann & Geisbert). The current strain circulation in West Africa is very similar to the original strain (>95% homology). The origin of the current outbreak remains unknown, but it is suspected to be from an animal reservoir with intermediary species (Fauci). Randomized clinical trials with adaptive design are ongoing to evaluate potential new therapies for EVD...

Post-exposure treatment of Ebola virus using passive immunotherapy: proposal for a new strategy

Background: Better treatments are urgently needed for the management of Ebola virus epidemics in Equatorial Africa. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the use of passive immunotherapy for the treatment or prevention of Ebola virus disease. We placed findings from this review into the context of passive immunotherapy currently used for venom-induced disease, and recent improvements in manufacturing of polyvalent antivenom products. Results: Passive immunotherapy appears to be one of the most promising specific treatments for Ebola. However, its potential has been incompletely evaluated, considering the overall experience and recent improvement of immunotherapy. Development and use of heterologous serum derivatives could protect people exposed to Ebola viruses with reasonable cost and logistics. Conclusion: Hyperimmune equine IgG fragments and purified polyclonal whole IgG deserve further consideration as treatment for exposure to the Ebola virus.

Ébola: Una amenaza global / Ebola: A global threat

En marzo de 2014, la Organización Mundial de la Salud notificó de un brote de una enfermedad contagiosa que se caracteriza por fiebre, diarrea severa, vómitos, y una alta tasa de mortalidad en Guinea. La investigación virológica identificó al Zaire ébola virus (EBOV) como el agente causal. El virus Ébola es el agente causal de una forma grave de la fiebre hemorrágica viral, llamada fiebre hemorrágica del Ébola, es endémica en las regiones de África central. Las tasas de letalidad en el hombre son tan altos como el 90%, no hay profilaxis o tratamiento disponible. Las infecciones por virus Ébola se caracterizan por la supresión inmune y una respuesta inflamatoria sistémica que causa compromiso vascular, de la coagulación y del sistema inmunológico, lo que lleva al fallo multiorgánico y shock, por lo tanto, en cierto modo, se asemeja a un shock séptico. Ante esta emergencia global todos los países deben estar preparados para el manejo de potenciales casos y que el impacto sea controlado.

In March 2014, the World Health Organization was notified of an outbreak of a communicable disease characterized by fever, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and a high fatality rate in Guinea. Virologic investigation identified Zaire ébola virus (EBOV) as the causative agent. Ébola viruses are the causative agents of a severe form of viral hemorrhagic fever in man, designated Ébola hemorrhagic fever, and are endemic in regions of central Africa. Case-fatality rates of the African species in man are as high as 90%, with no prophylaxis or treatment available. Ebola virus infections are characterized by immune suppression and a systemic inflammatory response that causes impairment of the vascular, coagulation, and immune systems, leading to multiorgan failure and shock, and thus, in someways, resembling septic shock. Given this global emergency all countries must be prepared to handle potential cases and the impact to be controlled.

Preparedness for Prevention of Ebola Virus Disease

No abstract available.

Preparedness for Prevention of Ebola Virus Disease

No abstract available.