Taï

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Piste de Taï.JPG
Taï, commune de Côte d'Ivoire. Frontière avec le Libéria, point de passage sur le Cavally.JPG
Infobox Disease
ICD-10 G71.2
ICD-9 359.0
DiseasesDB 31991
MedlinePlus
eMedicine neuro 76 neuro/230
MeSH ID


The Taï Forest Virus (TAFV) is a species of Ebolavirus that causes Ebola virus disease (EVD) in humans. It is one of the six known species of the genus Ebolavirus, which are responsible for causing severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates. The virus was first identified in 1994 in the Taï National Park in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, after an outbreak among chimpanzees.

Virology[edit | edit source]

The Taï Forest Virus is a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Marburg virus. Like other ebolaviruses, TAFV is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus. The virus is enveloped and has a filamentous structure, which is characteristic of filoviruses.

The genome of TAFV is approximately 19 kb in length and encodes seven structural proteins: nucleoprotein (NP), viral proteins (VP35, VP40, VP30, VP24), glycoprotein (GP), and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). These proteins are essential for the virus's replication and pathogenesis.

Transmission[edit | edit source]

Transmission of the Taï Forest Virus occurs through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals. The virus can also be transmitted through contact with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids. Human-to-human transmission is a significant concern during outbreaks, particularly in healthcare settings where proper infection control measures are not in place.

Clinical Features[edit | edit source]

The incubation period for TAFV ranges from 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms are non-specific and include fever, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and impaired kidney and liver function. In severe cases, the disease can lead to internal and external bleeding, a condition known as hemorrhagic fever.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Taï Forest Virus infection is challenging due to the non-specific nature of early symptoms. Laboratory confirmation is essential and involves detecting the virus or its components in blood or tissue samples. Techniques used include reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and virus isolation.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Taï Forest Virus infection. Management of the disease is primarily supportive and includes rehydration, maintenance of oxygen status and blood pressure, and treatment of specific symptoms. Experimental treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, are under investigation.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventive measures focus on reducing the risk of transmission. These include avoiding contact with infected animals, using personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings, and implementing strict infection control measures. Public health education and community engagement are crucial in preventing and controlling outbreaks.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

The Taï Forest Virus is endemic to West Africa, with the only known human case reported in 1994. The virus is believed to be maintained in a natural reservoir, possibly fruit bats, similar to other ebolaviruses. Sporadic outbreaks in non-human primates have been documented, highlighting the potential for zoonotic transmission.

Also see[edit | edit source]

Template:Ebolavirus

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD