EBOV

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Etiology

Taxonomy

I Order = [[ Mononegavirales ]] I Family = [[ Filoviridae ]] I Genus = [[ Ebolavirus ]] I Species = [[ Zaire ebolavirus ]] I

Pathogenesis

Transmission

There are two types of exposures that contribute to acquiring the Ebola virus. The first, primary exposure, is due to travel in an ebola endemic area. The second mode of transmission is contact with bodily fluids of an infected host. In addition, using unsterilized hospital equipment that came in contact with the virus.

Infectious dose and incubation

Upon invasion of host cells, the virus typically presents a 2-21 day incubation period. The infectious dose is very low; 1-10 aerosolized particles are sufficient to cause disease.

Clinical features

Symptoms

Viral infection is characterized by the onset of malaise, fever, myalgia, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches. As the disease progresses, gastrointestinal bleeding, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, maculopapular rash, conjuctivitis, along with external bleeding may occur. Some patients are able to recover from the infection; however, it remains unknown as to why some recover and others fail. Infected individuals are quarantined in a facility that entails the necessary safety measures authored by the CDC and WHO. Health care professionals dress in biohazard suits before coming in contact with a patient. If biohazard suits are not available, protective clothing, goggles, gloves, and mask should be worn. Survivors are typically left with a range of maladies that include fatigue, bulimia, hearing loss, tinnitus, arthralgias, orchitis, and suppurative parotitis.

Diagnosis

Typically, clinical diagnosis can only be made after the first few days of symptoms because the early symptoms could have been caused by many other factors. Laboratory tests such as, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum neturalization tests, antigen detection tests, virus isolation ,and a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) definitively allow the detection of the ebola virus in a patient. These tests are conducted under maximum biological containment conditions.

Treatment

Currently, vaccines and antivirals are not available to treat EBOV. Patients are provided supportive treatment that includes attention to: Replacement of fluids, electrolytes, constant monitoring of blood pressure and oxygen levels, nutrition and comfort.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of acquiring the Ebola virus, avoid travelling to endemic areas in Africa. In addition, avoid consuming bush meats that are sold on street markets. Wear gloves, protective clothing, and a mask when caring for an ill that may possibly be affect with ebola. Also avoid coming in contact with an infected corpse. Wash hands frequently when travelling; if no soap is available, rub hands with 60% alcohol. Take careful precautions before coming in contact with the fluids of non-human primates from Africa or the Philippines.

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Created by {Bhumi Patel}, student of Tyrrell Conway at the University of Oklahoma.