Scientists have identified several genetic mutations in the Ebola virus that could render sequence-based treatments ineffective. The study found 10 new mutations that may interfere with monoclonal antibody, siRNA, and PMO drugs, highlighting the need to consider genetic drift when developing potential therapeutics.
Researchers tracked genetic mutations in Ebola virus during the West African outbreak, identifying changes that could interfere with experimental therapeutics. The study highlights the need for drug developers to assess mutation effects on efficacy.
A new model developed by ecologists at the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University predicts that the Ebola epidemic in Liberia can be largely contained by June 2015 if hospitalization rates and safe burial practices are maintained. The model, which includes factors such as location of infection and treatment, hospital c...
Healthcare workers face difficulties in differentiating between obstetric emergencies and suspected Ebola cases, while limited evidence exists on asymptomatic pregnant women. The article highlights the need for continual assessment of minimising risk to healthcare workers while providing lifesaving care.
A new model developed by ecologists at the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University projects that the Ebola epidemic in Liberia can be largely contained by June if an 85% hospitalization rate is achieved. The model takes into account various factors such as infection location, treatment, hospital capacity, and safe buria...
Researchers at the University of Kansas are developing an iPhone and Android app called iChequIt that gauges Ebola risk based on social media posts and contact-tracing records. The app will provide users with a running score of their likelihood of contact with the deadly virus, but it's not meant to advise people how to live their lives.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that contact between humans and virus-infected bats may have originated the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The researchers found no evidence of larger wildlife being the source of infection, expanding the range of possible Ebola virus sources to insectivorous free-tailed bats.
A study found that changes in the H9N2 flu virus in chickens may have contributed to the creation of the H7N9 avian virus, which has caused outbreaks and deaths since 2013. The research suggests tracking genetic diversity of H9N2 on poultry farms could provide an early warning of emerging viruses with pandemic potential.
Medical ethicists offer guidance on life-sustaining therapies for Ebola patients in developed countries, balancing risks and benefits. Former Surgeon General David Satcher discusses the importance of credibility and influence in the role, emphasizing scientific evidence-based reports.
Researchers have identified a potential universal therapeutic target for treating multiple infections, including Ebola, by targeting the GRP78 protein. The OSU-03012 (AR-12) and FDA-approved Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors combination has shown promise in preventing viral replication, killing cancer cells, and reducing antibiotic-resist...
Researchers conducted the first Ebola vaccine trial in Africa using an early-generation vaccine candidate, demonstrating safety and immunogenicity. The study found that the vaccines produced similar immune responses in African and US populations, providing proof of principle for a multivalent filovirus vaccine.
A Phase 1B clinical trial in Uganda found the experimental vaccines safe and induced immune responses in healthy volunteers. The results are encouraging, as similar immune responses were observed compared to a previous US trial.
A phase 1 trial confirms two experimental Ebola DNA vaccines are safe and stimulate a similar immune response in Ugandan adults as reported in US adults earlier this year. The vaccines generated neutralizing antibodies and T-cells against the virus proteins, providing comparable safety and immune response.
The IMF's economic policies have been shown to reduce government spending on healthcare, leading to underfunded and understaffed health systems. The researchers argue that the IMF's campaigns for decentralised healthcare systems also hinder coordinated responses to outbreaks, such as Ebola.
A Ugandan doctor contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone and was flown to Germany for aggressive treatment involving the experimental drug FX06. The doctor developed severe multi-organ failure but made a marked improvement under intensive care and drug treatment, with no Ebola virus genetic material detected after 30 days.
Researchers identified 53 existing drugs that can hinder Ebola virus entry into human cells, including cancer drugs and antibiotics. This study may lead to rapid development of treatments against Ebola infection.
A new study recommends that men in recovery from Ebola wear condoms for at least 3 months to prevent the sexual transmission of the virus. The researchers found that the virus persisted in semen for an average of 66.6 days, highlighting the need for further research into male survivors of Ebola.
Researchers found evidence of significant social clustering in the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which has implications for case reporting and public health. The analysis estimated that up to 70% of cases were not reported, significantly lower than previous estimates.
Simple screenings of organ donors can help minimize the risk of Ebola transmission through organ donation. Experts recommend excluding individuals who have recently traveled to or worked in countries where Ebola is active for a 21-day period before they can donate organs.
A study by University of Utah researchers found a unique mechanism used by the Ebola virus and other related viruses to replicate. The discovery, which was made possible through computer simulations, may lead to new targets for antiviral drugs within five to 10 years.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers found that the most abundant protein in the Ebola virus, VP40, mediates replication and interacts with human cell lipids. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutics for combating Ebola.
A new study by a Pitt researcher reveals that there is limited scientific data on how long the Ebola virus can survive on surfaces, in water, or in liquid droplets. This knowledge gap makes it challenging to develop effective disinfection practices to prevent the spread of the disease.
Ebola survivors can donate blood, care for sick patients, and generate community-based responses. Employing trained survivors as caregivers could also provide a source of income.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa lacks standardized treatment guidelines, with conflicting reports on mortality rates and treatments. Experts propose a range of measures, including the development of guidelines and international cooperation to ensure quality control and transparency.
A Rutgers researcher has received a $640,000 NIH grant to develop a rapid Ebola test that can be used in remote locations where the disease has spread. The test, modeled after an existing tuberculosis test, will diagnose patients quickly and accurately, reducing the need for isolation and treatment delays.
Ebola virus disease is a febrile illness with severe gastrointestinal symptoms that can cause profound water and electrolyte depletion leading to circulatory collapse and death. Implementing practical protocols for managing fluids and electrolytes has not been given sufficient priority, which could substantially reduce the death rate.
The National Science Foundation has awarded rapid response grants to support researchers in understanding the fundamental nature of Ebola and its impact on public safety. The grants will fund projects that explore new methods for virus detection, disinfection, and medical response, as well as research into risk assessment and behavior.
A team of researchers will assess the ability of Nanotrap technology to detect Ebola virus in saliva, offering a safer and more accurate testing method. The project aims to address the dire need for better testing methods for Ebola, using non-invasive saliva collection and highly sensitive diagnostic tests.
The authors of a Transfusion commentary argue that forgoing routine lab tests may compromise patients' health more than any reduction in the risk of transmission. Experts recommend implementing well-characterized infection prevention and control recommendations to provide a safe environment for both patients and employees.
The NIAID/GSK Ebola vaccine candidate was well-tolerated and produced immune system responses in all 20 healthy adults who received it. The vaccine induced a T-cell response, including CD8 T cells, which may play an important role in immune protection against Ebola viruses.
Researchers discovered that a key Ebola virus protein can trigger an excessive immune response, leading to massive inflammation and increased vascular permeability. This finding suggests a potential new target for reducing the severity of Ebola disease.
Researchers have developed a new method to sequence Ebola virus genomes, reducing contaminating human RNA from 80% to less than 0.5%. The approach has been proven effective in the rapid sequencing of nearly 100 patient blood samples with a turnaround time of 10 days.
Radiologists have issued a special report on radiology preparedness for handling cases of Ebola virus, outlining protocols and recommendations for healthcare administrators. The report emphasizes the importance of clear communication, proper equipment use, and specialized isolation units to prevent infection of medical personnel.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified vulnerable sites on the surface of Ebola virus that are targeted by the antibodies in ZMapp, a drug cocktail administered to patients during the 2014 outbreak. The study provides insights into how ZMapp works and suggests strategies to improve it.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researcher Timothy Roberton found that a lack of trust among community members and frontline health workers contributed to the spread of Ebola. In Guinea, villagers refused to listen to public health messages, ignoring advice on how to protect themselves from the disease.
A mathematical model predicts that around 10 of 29 people with Ebola are likely to be detected at airport screening when trying to travel from West Africa to the UK and US by the end of the year.
For the first time, clinicians have successfully provided hemodialysis to a patient with Ebola virus disease, resulting in recovery of kidney function. The protocol involved careful measures to maximize safety and minimize risk of secondary transmission, demonstrating that renal replacement therapies can be provided safely.
Researchers have designed peptides to target Ebola's N-trimer protein, allowing for universal inhibition across all known and future strains. This approach enables the selection of effective drugs that block virus entry into cells.
The Ebola pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The study emphasizes the urgent need to adopt a One Health approach to detect and prevent infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries.
The article highlights the link between animal health, human health, and the environment in the emergence of infectious diseases. Key findings include the need to build capacity in developing regions and the importance of One Health approach.
A single-dose Ebola vaccine given to primates through their noses and lungs protected them against infection for at least 21 weeks. The vaccine's effectiveness could help prevent the spread of Ebola and other diseases through unintentional pricks.
A new study has identified genetic material that recognizes early stages of infection in patients with hemorrhagic fevers, such as Lassa and Marburg viruses. This discovery could lead to the development of better diagnostics and improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered that Ebola and Marburg viruses edit their genetic material by adding extra nucleotides to their RNA. This process, known as RNA editing, was previously unknown in these viruses and could lead to a better understanding of their biology and the development of new treatments.
A new analysis suggests the Ebola fatality rate is over 70%, far higher than the initial 50% estimate, with the total number of affected individuals potentially exceeding 1 million by early next year. The exponential growth of cases raises concerns about exporting the disease to other countries and sparking a global humanitarian crisis.
A nasal vaccine in development has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the deadly Ebola virus. The vaccine platform has significant global implications in controlling future outbreaks, which could have a fatality rate as low as 25-90%.
A non-injectable vaccine has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the Ebola virus. The breathable vaccine overcomes logistical obstacles of storing and administering injectable vaccines in affected areas.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a genetic strain of mice that accurately reflect human Ebola symptoms. The new mouse model enables rapid development of potential vaccines and treatments, addressing the global public health crisis caused by Ebola.
A new mouse model reveals that genetic factors play a significant role in the severity of Ebola disease. Research suggests that certain genetic lines of mice are more resistant to the virus, while others are highly susceptible to severe illness and death. The findings could lead to rapid development of candidate therapeutics and vaccines.
Researchers recommend shifting from expanding to declining Ebola epidemic through hygienic funeral practices, case isolation, contact tracing, and better health worker protection. Achieving these goals at a success rate of about 60 percent could ultimately curtail the epidemic in Liberia.
The International Union of Immunology Societies is urging urgent funding and implementation of Ebola vaccine trials. Several promising vaccine candidates, including Cad3 Ebola and rVSV-ΔG-ZEBOV, are being tested in phase 1 clinical trials, showing safe and efficient results in non-human primates.
Researchers developed a random transmission model to determine how disease progression and case fatality affect transmission and patient isolation. Isolating the sickest Ebola-infected individuals before they progress into their late phase of illness can effectively eliminate the Ebola epidemic in Liberia.
Only 6% of US hospitals are well-prepared to receive a patient with the Ebola virus, highlighting inadequate personnel and resources. APIC urges facilities to assess their infection prevention programs to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public.
The article provides guidelines for humanitarian volunteers during the Ebola outbreak, emphasizing the importance of thorough training and preparation. It highlights the need for experienced physicians and organizations to prioritize volunteer well-being and safety.
A new study has found that filoviruses, the family housing Ebola and Marburg, are at least 16-23 million years old. This pushes back their evolutionary roots and provides insight into the historical relationship between these two lethal viruses.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases predicts that the Ebola epidemic in West Africa will worsen unless international aid is significantly increased. The model developed by Yale researchers estimates tens of thousands of new cases and deaths by December 15 if current efforts are not intensified.
A new study predicts that current international efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in Montserrado, Liberia, will not be sufficient to contain the epidemic. The research estimates that up to 170996 total cases and 90122 deaths are projected by December 15, 2014, without expanded control measures.
Researchers have developed a new method for using engineered gene circuits in a cell-free, paper-based system to detect deadly viruses like Ebola. The low-cost platform could enable rapid detection of different strains of the virus.
A research team led by the University of Liverpool is testing the safety and efficacy of using Ebola survivors' blood to treat patients in West Africa. The study aims to reduce deaths from the outbreak by finding a safe and effective therapy.
The NIH is conducting an early phase trial to evaluate the VSV-ZEBOV vaccine candidate, which was developed by researchers at Canada's National Microbiology Lab. The trial will enroll 39 healthy adults aged 18-65 and assess the vaccine's safety and ability to generate an immune response.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that controlling Ebola outbreaks at the source in West Africa is the most effective way to prevent international spread. Focusing on exit screening for travelers leaving affected countries can be a more efficient approach than entry screening.