感染症と診断ジャーナル

概要

Ebola Virus Disease: A Biological and Epidemiological Perspective of a Virulent Virus

Wambani RJ, Ogola PE, Arika WM, Rachuonyo HO and Burugu MW

Understanding factors for the re-emergence of Ebola viral disease (EVD), its pathogenesis as well as understanding the biology of Ebola virus in its natural reservoir is one of the most difficult scientific problems facing scientists today. Knowledge gaps exist for this disease that is yet to be fully understood. The virus is endemic in the sub-Saharan Africa where it causes major as well as minor epidemics. Mitigation strategies have not been well understood because of the easy transmission of disease among humans. There are no approved drugs for treatment while vaccines are being tested for human safety. Studying and understanding the pathogen has proved to be a difficult phenomenon because it’s virulent form needs level IV biosafety laboratories that are difficult to access in many developing as well as some developed countries. This review aims at discussing the biology, epidemiology, risk factors as well as the pathogenesis of the disease in the hope demystifying the disease.