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background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" | Ebola virus
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Electron micrograph of an Ebola virus virion
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background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" | Virus classification e
Species
'''Ebola virus'''

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Ebola virus (EBOV) is a virus that causes Ebola virus disease (EVD), a severe and often fatal illness in humans and nonhuman primates. EBOV is one of the five known viruses within the genus Ebolavirus, and it is responsible for the majority of outbreaks of EVD.

Virology[edit | edit source]

EBOV is a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Marburg virus. It is an enveloped virus with a negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome. The virus particle is filamentous, often appearing in a characteristic "shepherd's crook" shape.

Genome[edit | edit source]

The EBOV genome is approximately 19,000 nucleotides long and encodes seven structural proteins: nucleoprotein (NP), viral proteins VP35, VP40, glycoprotein (GP), VP30, VP24, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). These proteins are involved in viral replication, assembly, and immune evasion.

Transmission[edit | edit source]

EBOV is transmitted to humans through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, and antelopes. Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or through contaminated surfaces and materials.

Pathogenesis[edit | edit source]

EBOV targets various cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and endothelial cells. The infection leads to a dysregulated immune response, characterized by a "cytokine storm," which contributes to the severe symptoms of EVD, including fever, hemorrhaging, and multi-organ failure.

Clinical Features[edit | edit source]

The incubation period for EVD ranges from 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of EVD is confirmed through laboratory testing, including RT-PCR assays, antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and virus isolation by cell culture.

Treatment and Prevention[edit | edit source]

There is no specific antiviral treatment approved for EVD, but supportive care, including rehydration and symptomatic treatment, improves survival. Experimental treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, have shown promise in clinical trials.

Vaccination is a key preventive measure. The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine has been used in outbreak settings to protect at-risk populations.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

EBOV is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, with outbreaks occurring sporadically. The largest outbreak occurred in West Africa from 2014 to 2016, resulting in over 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths.

Also see[edit | edit source]

Template:Ebolavirus

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD