Marburg marburgvirus

Marburg marburgvirus (often referred to as Marburg virus) is a highly virulent and deadly virus that causes Marburg virus disease, a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates. The virus is a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes the more widely known Ebola virus. First identified in 1967 during outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia, the Marburg virus has since been associated with several outbreaks across Africa.

Discovery and Outbreaks

The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 when laboratory workers in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia, who were exposed to tissues from green monkeys imported from Uganda, developed severe hemorrhagic fever. The outbreak resulted in 31 infections and 7 deaths. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred, primarily in African countries, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Uganda. The largest outbreak occurred in Angola in 2005, with over 200 deaths.

Transmission

Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through the transmission of bodily fluids. Direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons, and surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids, are primary modes of transmission. The virus has a high fatality rate, and outbreaks have had significant health, social, and economic impacts in affected regions.

Symptoms and Treatment

The incubation period of Marburg virus disease ranges from 2 to 21 days. Symptoms are initially nonspecific and include fever, chills, headache, and myalgia. As the disease progresses, patients may develop severe hemorrhagic manifestations, including bleeding from multiple areas. Treatment is primarily supportive and includes rehydration, symptomatic treatment, and treatment of specific complications. There are no specific antiviral treatments approved for Marburg virus disease, but experimental treatments and vaccines are under development.

Prevention

Preventive measures against Marburg virus include avoiding contact with fruit bats and sick nonhuman primates in endemic areas. In healthcare settings, infection control measures such as the use of personal protective equipment can prevent the spread of the virus. Public health interventions, including surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement, are critical for controlling outbreaks.

Research and Development

Research on Marburg virus has focused on understanding its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic and vaccine targets. The development of diagnostic tests, antiviral drugs, and vaccines is ongoing, with some candidates showing promise in preclinical and early clinical trials.