A team of researchers from Pitt, Drexel, and NIH found that the Ebola virus can survive in detectable concentrations in wastewater for at least a week or longer. The study suggests that procedures for disposing of contaminated liquid waste might underestimate the virus' ability to persist.
A case-series of eight British healthcare workers who received antiviral-based therapies after possible accidental exposure to Ebola virus in Sierra Leone did not develop the disease. The study suggests that post-exposure prophylaxis may be effective in preventing Ebola infection, and authors call for standardised guidelines to be deve...
A special issue of Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics presents guidelines, protocols, models, and resources for improving data sharing in low- and middle-income settings. Researchers found varying concerns and challenges across five countries, but most agreed that data sharing is crucial for scientific progress.
Regenstrief Institute researchers introduce open source options for health information exchange and data analysis to improve healthcare in resource-constrained environments. An open-source framework for large-scale data analytics is also presented, allowing healthcare providers to analyze their own observational health data.
Researchers developed a paper-based device that changes color to detect Ebola, yellow fever, or dengue viruses. The test takes minutes and doesn't require electricity, providing a potential solution for remote, low-resource areas.
The discovery sheds light on how the virus evolved and spread across West Africa, revealing that most cases are caused by spillover infections from wild rodents to humans.
A new genomic catalog of nearly 200 viral genomes provides insight into the origins and transmission of Lassa virus. The data set confirms rodent-to-human transmission as the primary mode of infection.
A $7 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports research to eliminate river blindness and elephantiasis, two neglected tropical diseases affecting millions. Researchers will conduct field projects in eight countries and resuming a project suspended due to Ebola.
Researchers found that Ebola and Marburg viruses use G protein-coupled receptors to enter cells, which can be blocked by existing drugs targeting these receptors. The study identified 20 GPCR antagonists effective against the two viruses, paving the way for potential therapeutics.
A single dose of the experimental Ebola virus (EBOV) vaccine VSV-EBOV has been shown to completely protect cynomolgus macaques against the current EBOV outbreak strain, EBOV-Makona. The vaccine triggers both innate and adaptive immunity, providing partial protection if given three days prior to exposure.
A preclinical study found that a new Ebola vaccine, VSV-EBOV, provides complete protection against the disease when given 7 days before infection in macaques. The vaccine also induces a strong innate immune response, helping to limit virus replication and eventually clearing the virus.
A proposed global vaccine-development fund could help make vaccines available for emergency use, saving thousands of lives. The fund would cover the financial burden of vaccine development, addressing barriers such as high costs, limited market potential and lack of government support.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reports that an experimental compound, AVI-7288, protected nonhuman primates against the deadly Marburg virus. The compound showed efficacy even when administered after exposure to the virus. Phase I clinical trial results also indicated safety and tolerability.
Researchers found that just ten diseases account for around 50% of all published knowledge on diseases at the wildlife-livestock interface. The study emphasizes the need for sustained investments in research to evaluate risks and improve responses to disease epidemics in animals and humans.
Researchers will discuss infectious disease ecology, including Ebola and MERS, as well as forest biodiversity and the impact of climate change. The conference also explores urban ecology and its relevance to environmental problems.
The Chicago Ebola Resource Network (CERN) shares expertise, resources, and risk to anticipate and respond to Black Swan events. Collaborative efforts among academic medical centers and public health leaders resulted in efficient programs with reduced disruption to routine patient care.
A study found that fewer than one in six healthcare workers (4/30) follow CDC guidelines for removing personal protective equipment (PPE). The researchers observed HCWs entering and exiting patient rooms without proper technique, leading to potential pathogen transmission.
The Oxford Vaccine Group is conducting a Phase II study of an Ebola vaccine regimen, recruiting over 600 healthy adult volunteers in the UK and France. The study aims to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine, as well as determine the best timing for each dose.
A clinical trial testing an Ebola vaccine developed on a new cell line is underway in Senegal, aiming to provide a rapid response to outbreaks. The trial uses two vaccines, ChAd3-EBO Z and MVA-EBO Z, which have shown excellent safety profiles and promise for low-cost mass production.
A new vaccine patch made of dissolvable material has been shown to be effective in protecting against flu infection, with an immune reaction equal to or stronger than traditional needle-delivered vaccines. The patch is easy to use without medical personnel, making it ideal for developing countries.
A collaborative team from UTMB and NIH develop an inhalable vaccine that protects primates against Ebola. The aerosol delivery method has shown promising results, with a single vaccination providing protection against the severe disease and death caused by lethal Ebola infection.
A new analysis finds that only a fifth of global health aid went toward research on diseases disproportionately affecting the poor and outbreak preparedness. The study recommends increasing funding for these critical global health functions to address growing threats like drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Faith-based organisations have played critical roles in delivering education, health, and social services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Religious leaders provide a much-needed complement to public health messages, inspiring congregations to adopt healthy behaviours.
The latest Ebola outbreak is the largest, most sustained, and most widespread to date, with several potential treatments undergoing clinical trials. Dr. Ali Mirazimi notes that emerging infectious diseases will continue to challenge global health.
A team from Harvard Medical School has revealed the atomic level structure of VSV polymerase protein L, a key component in RNA virus replication. This finding provides insights into how these viruses copy their genomes inside host cells.
The article highlights lessons learned from monitoring complex HIV clinical trials in Africa over 15 years, including the use of on-site and central monitoring, local monitor teams, and standardized processes. The authors encourage global trial teams to publish their practical observations to improve best practices.
A new study examines the impact of remoteness on health care access in rural Liberia, highlighting strategies to close disparities. Strategies include shifting care to lowest level providers and training community health workers.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identify new immune molecules that protect against deadly Marburg virus, a relative of Ebola virus. The study provides ingredients needed to develop treatments for future Marburg outbreaks.
A new study by TSRI researchers provides a higher-resolution view of the Ebola virus life cycle, revealing key vulnerabilities that can be targeted with antiviral therapeutics. The findings also shed light on how the virus assembles its genetic material, which is critical for understanding its structure-based design.
A new rapid diagnostic test has been shown to accurately diagnose Ebola virus disease within minutes, revolutionizing treatment and containment. The test's sensitivity and specificity rates are comparable to laboratory-based methods, offering a promising solution to the challenges of early diagnosis and timely intervention.
A new point-of-care EVD test has been shown to be faster and as sensitive as a conventional laboratory-based method, detecting the virus in just a small drop of blood. The rapid diagnostic test could help identify case contacts and ultimately curb Ebola's spread by quickly confirming or ruling out cases.
Scientists at the Institut Pasteur sequenced three distinct Ebola virus variants co-circulating in Guinea, with each variant defined by unique mutations affecting viral proteins. The study highlights the genetic diversity of the viruses circulating in Guinea during the epidemic's spread and will aid in optimizing treatments and vaccines.
Researchers report that statins and angiotensin receptor blockers, commonly used for heart disease, can stabilize endothelial cells lining blood vessels in Ebola patients. This approach may improve survival rates in infected individuals by bolstering the immune system.
Engineers at Lehigh University are developing stochastic models to study the dynamics of Ebola virus infection in bats and its potential human transmission. The goal is to quantify the risk associated with the virus's spread and provide a basis for resource allocation and epidemic response strategies.
A global team has sequenced over 200 Ebola virus genomes to capture the fullest picture yet of how the virus is transmitted and changes over time. The study reveals that cross-border transmission played a smaller role in the outbreak than previously thought, and that the virus has begun to weed out mutations that do not benefit it.
Global health experts Lawrence O. Gostin and Daniel Lucey outline strategies for managing the MERS-CoV outbreak, focusing on transparency, trust, and infection control in healthcare settings. Key findings include training health workers and conducting diagnostic testing of travelers to limit quarantines.
A new study in Liberia will investigate the long-term health consequences of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in survivors, determining if they develop immunity that protects them from future infection. The study will also assess whether previously EVD-infected individuals can transmit infection to close contacts and sexual partners.
The world invested more than $200 billion to improve health in lower-income countries between 2000 and 2014. Despite a significant increase in funding after the Millennium Development Goals were established, global health financing stagnated between 2010 and 2014.
Researchers found that news media created public panic during the 2014 U.S. Ebola outbreak, with tweets and Google searches peaking in response to news clips. The study used social media data to show how news media manipulated public emotions, highlighting its potential impact on future outbreaks.
A new study by NIH researchers compares the Makona strain of Ebola virus to the original 1976 Mayinga strain, revealing a decreased ability to cause disease in West Africa, with liver damage and rash appearing two days later than in the 1976 strain.
Researchers analyzed over 42,000 Ebola-related tweets to show how Twitter was used to share breaking health news in West Africa. The study found that Twitter played a crucial role in disseminating information about the outbreak, particularly in the days leading up to official announcements.
Scientists discovered the molecular lock of Ebola virus's cellular entry, which could lead to the development of antiviral drugs blocking its interaction with Niemann-Pick C1. The study found mice lacking NPC1 gene were completely resistant to infection, suggesting a potential treatment for Ebola.
Researchers have identified Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) as a critical protein for the Ebola virus to infect a host, providing a new target for drug development. Blocking NPC1 could lead to effective treatments for this deadly disease.
A systematic review of published evidence found that extended dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) decreases the risk for myocardial infarction but increases major bleeding events and may increase mortality. The authors suggest based on patient preferences after discussing benefits and harms.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment for Ebola by screening compounds from existing malaria and flu drugs. The treatment showed a high success rate of up to 90% in treating infected mice with no observable side effects.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Steve Bellan and including Associate Professor Manoj Gambhir from Monash University, have identified the most effective human trial design for testing Ebola vaccines in Sierra Leone. The study suggests that a modified randomized control trial is the best approach to detect an effective and safe vaccine.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has established a Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Initiative, partnering with the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. This program aims to deliver meaningful training to various audiences, including public service employees and waste handlers.
The SAWBO Deployer app allows users to view, download, and share animated educational videos on Android devices, covering topics such as health and agriculture in developing countries. The app enables offline access and sharing through Bluetooth connections, making it an essential tool for outreach workers and community organizations.
A new genomics laboratory in Liberia enables fast tracking of Ebola virus changes, which could impact diagnostics and therapeutics. The lab provides critical viral genomic information to support public health efforts.
FAU researchers have received a NSF Rapid Response Grant to create an innovative model of Ebola spread using big data analytics. The program will use Twitter feeds, Facebook, and Google data to track the spread of the virus and create predictive diffusion models.
Global health leaders propose a global biomedical research and development fund to tackle emerging infectious diseases, anti-microbial resistance, and neglected diseases. The proposed mechanism aims to stimulate innovation and ensure access to health technologies for those who need them.
Scientists at the University of Montreal discover that a protein in the Rift Valley fever virus mimics human DNA repair factors, making it vulnerable to drug therapy. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deadly tropical infections such as Ebola.
Global health experts offer a new framework for creating a robust global health system with national health systems at its foundation. The framework proposes key priorities, including funding, technical excellence, operational capacities, normative standards, regional offices, and engaging non-state parties.
Researchers at UW's BioRobotics Lab hacked a next-generation teleoperated robotic system to test its vulnerability to cyberattacks. The team found that the robot could be easily disrupted or derailed by common forms of cyberattacks, highlighting the need for additional security measures before deployment.
The west African Ebola epidemic has sparked interest in global health security, but its impact on political commitment to public health is uncertain. The crisis has highlighted the importance of securing individuals' access to healthcare as part of global health security. Key challenges include counterfeit medicines, antimicrobial resi...
Researchers solved the structure of Ebola virus nucleoprotein core domain to 1.8 Å resolution, revealing RNA binding groove similarities with other viral NPs. The findings provide valuable insights into EBOV genome assembly and transcription mechanism, as well as potential antiviral therapies targeting RNP formation.
Scientists found that people's preconceptions affect the information transmitted, influencing those receiving it. This can lead to an increasingly alarmist perception of potential risks as original messages are reinforced.
New estimates suggest that the West African Ebola outbreak could have resulted in comparable number of malaria deaths as those due to Ebola itself. Implementing mass drug administration and ITN campaigns may largely mitigate the impact of Ebola on malaria.
A large-scale study of Ebola survivors found persistent health effects, including vision loss, hearing impairment, and cognitive decline. The study highlights the need for strategies to address the long-term health needs of survivors.
Researchers from UTMB and Tekmira Pharmaceuticals have developed a post-exposure treatment effective against a specific strain of Ebola. The treatment uses siRNA to target and neutralize the virus, demonstrating potential benefits beyond improved survival rates.