A new Comment in The Lancet calls for a Global Health Systems Fund to prevent future infectious disease crises and strengthen health infrastructure. The proposed fund would address human resource shortages and fragile health systems that contributed to the devastating Ebola outbreak.
Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine identified how Ebola dodges antiviral defenses by hijacking a host protein's ability to carry an important immune signal. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting the virus's deadliness.
A blend of three monoclonal antibodies has been shown to protect monkeys against a lethal dose of Ebola virus for up to 5 days after infection. This treatment, ZMAPP, was found to be effective in a study published in Nature.
A candidate Ebola vaccine is being tested on healthy volunteers in the UK, The Gambia, and Mali as part of an international collaboration. The phase 1 trials aim to ensure the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity before deployment to high-risk populations.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched an initial human safety study for an Ebola vaccine candidate. The trial is the first in a series of Phase 1 clinical trials that will examine the investigational NIAID/GSK Ebola vaccine, which is designed to induce an immune response in healthy adults.
Researchers sequenced over 99 Ebola virus genomes from 78 patients in Sierra Leone, finding more than 300 genetic changes that make the 2014 Ebola virus distinct from previous outbreaks. The data provides insights into the outbreak's origin, transmission, and potential targets for diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies.
A new Ebola treatment has shown promise against the Sudan strain of the virus in mice, using synthetic antibodies designed to target a key molecule on the surface of the virus. The treatment is not effective against the Zaire ebolavirus, which is currently devastating West Africa.
Respiratory infection control measures for Ebola patients are unnecessary and may contribute to public panic, according to a new letter published in The Lancet. Excessive precautions could reinforce the view that some lives are more valuable than others, exacerbating the spread of infection.
Researchers develop a potential therapy for Sudan ebolavirus, showing promising results in laboratory tests and mouse models. The humanized antibody has been identified as an immunotherapeutic candidate to treat SUDV infection.
A study found that many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries have insufficient stocks of sterile gloves, eyewear, and other protective equipment. This is particularly concerning in the context of the current Ebola outbreak.
Experts say 14th century Venice's response to the plague holds lessons on how to mitigate the consequences of today's emerging threats. The city's use of resilience management, including physical movement management and quarantine measures, can inform strategies for dealing with highly infectious diseases like Ebola.
A commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights two factors contributing to Ebola infection among healthcare workers: insufficient supply of personal protective equipment and inadequate donning/doffing procedures. To prevent transmission, the authors recommend a structured process for gear removal.
Researchers found that TIM-family proteins can block the release of HIV and Ebola viruses by attaching to lipids on the surface of viral particles. This discovery provides a potential approach to slow virus production and replication.
The American College of Chest Physicians has released a consensus statement providing evidence-informed suggestions for preparing and managing the critically ill and injured during large-scale disasters and pandemics. The document aims to guide ethical decision-making, coordination of care, resource conservation, and research in crises.
The Lancet emphasizes the need for fair distribution of experimental Ebola drugs and rigorous testing in clinical trials. Bioethicists recommend prioritizing containment of the epidemic and strengthening health systems over treatment with potentially ineffective interventions.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a treatment effective against the lethal Marburg virus, which has a mortality rate of up to 90%. The treatment protected nonhuman primates from the virus when started three days after infection, showing promise for post-exposure treatment.
Ebola treatment expert Jesse L. Goodman advocates for expedited studies of promising treatments while prioritizing patient safety. He suggests completing basic safety studies in healthy humans before treating sick patients.
Two commentaries in Annals of Internal Medicine emphasize the need for immediate Ebola vaccine deployment and cautious approach to containment plans. The authors argue that safety risks from vaccines are negligible compared to healthcare worker risks, while excessive measures can foster mistrust and increase risk.
Research reveals Ebola's profound effects on gorilla populations, including changes in reproduction, immigration, and social dynamics. Long-term monitoring is necessary to understand disease impacts on wildlife.
A recent study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection warns of the high risk of Chikungunya virus spread in the Americas and Europe due to mosquito-borne transmission. The disease can cause severe symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and muscle aches, with no available treatment.
Two American missionaries who contracted Ebola virus in West Africa deserve special treatment for their selfless act of caring for infected patients. The author argues that limiting experimental treatment to these two patients is necessary due to the ethical concerns of exploiting vulnerable individuals during a public health outbreak.
The article highlights the importance of recognizing Ebola virus infection and isolating patients in hospitals worldwide. Despite concerns about transmission, experts argue that developed countries' effective hospital infection control practices minimize the risk of further spread.
More than 500 delegates from 62 countries have issued a call to action to address the impacts of climate change on human health and the global environment. The ecohealth community has developed a vision and commitment to action that will bring together existing efforts to respond to climate change.
Researchers have discovered how Ebola blocks and disables the body's natural immune response. The protein VP24 disrupts a crucial early step in the virus's path to causing deadly disease. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments for the deadly virus.
The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has claimed over 1,000 lives, with healthcare professionals facing new challenges in capital cities and Nigeria. Dr. Fauci emphasizes the need for sound public health practices, community engagement, and international assistance to defeat the epidemic.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals how the Ebola virus blocks the body's first line of defense against infection. By targeting a specific protein called eVP24, the virus cripples the immune system's ability to respond effectively, allowing it to mass-produce itself and trigger a deadly response.
A commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals the history of 'miraculous' Ebola virus serotherapy, inspired by 19th century discoveries. Additionally, two systematic reviews address challenges of interpreting troponin levels in patients with chronic kidney disease.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has received over $6 million to develop experimental drugs against Ebola and Marburg viruses. The research aims to understand how these viruses disable the immune system and create effective treatments for patients infected with filoviruses.
Researchers analyzed clinical samples from suspected Lassa fever cases in Sierra Leone and found nearly 9% tested positive for Ebola virus. The study demonstrates that Ebola has been circulating in the region since at least 2006.
Researchers in Sierra Leone call for enhanced access to diagnostic technologies, healthcare resources, and disease surveillance systems. They also highlight the need for reliable personal protective equipment and effective communication to combat misinformation and improve compliance with prevention measures.
A University of Florida research team has identified the first known case of an equine influenza virus in camels. The discovery highlights the potential role of camels in the ecology of zoonotic diseases and raises concerns about public health.
A new Ebola vaccine has been successfully tested on captive chimpanzees, producing a robust immune response and showing safety. The researchers argue that this could be a turning point in saving endangered ape species from extinction, but the need for captive chimps testing raises ethical concerns about animal welfare.
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa underscores the importance of real-time data sharing among scientists to improve public health responses. Implementing a regional diagnostic approach can enhance laboratory capabilities, reduce waiting times for test results, and help determine whether established test methods will work or fail.
Researchers at Penn Vet have identified several compounds that can reduce a virus' ability to spread infection, making it easier for the immune system to control. The compounds target specific interactions between viral proteins and host cells, potentially reducing mortality rates for diseases like Ebola and HIV.
Researchers from Inserm and the Institut Pasteur have identified a new variant of the Ebola virus in Guinea. The virus is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate, with symptoms including fever, severe diarrhea, and vomiting. The discovery highlights the need for increased measures to prevent transmission from wild fauna to humans.
A recent review by EcoHealth Alliance calls for enhanced global surveillance to prevent future outbreaks of Ebola and other filoviruses. The organization's research suggests that focusing on wildlife, particularly bats, rodents, and non-human primates, is crucial in predicting and preventing local outbreaks.
International research group recognizes UTMB professors Frederick A. Murphy and Thomas G. Ksiazek for their groundbreaking work on filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg viruses. The award acknowledges their decades-long efforts to develop vaccines and treatments for these deadly diseases.
A recent survey by an international research team found that Liberia's chimpanee population is one of the most viable in West Africa, with over 70% living outside protected areas. The results provide crucial information for site prioritization and conservation efforts.
Scientists at the University of Washington are developing new methods to rapidly identify and treat emerging infectious diseases. The researchers aim to create a flexible arsenal against multiple pathogens, using machine-learning computer modeling and genomic analysis to discover ways to measure disease severity.
The NIH has awarded a five-year grant of up to $28 million to establish a center for excellence in finding an antibody cocktail to fight the deadly Ebola virus. Researchers from 15 institutions, led by Erica Ollmann Saphire at Scripps Research Institute, will collaborate on definitive experiments.
Researchers at Einstein will focus on discovering new immunotherapeutic candidates against Ebola and Marburg viruses, while another group will assess how well each antibody works. The project aims to advance treatments for hemorrhagic fever viruses, which cause severe diseases with high mortality rates.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered how the Marburg virus interacts with host protein Keap1, allowing it to live longer and replicate better. This knowledge may lead to the development of targeted therapies to arrest the lethal virus.
Researchers will develop and test new vaccines and broad-spectrum treatments for Ebola and Marburg, which are considered high-risk bioterrorist pathogens. The grant aims to address the critical problem of no approved treatments or vaccines for these deadly viruses, with potential applications in post-exposure treatment.
Researchers developed a technique to study RSV's structure and activity in living cells, which could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and a vaccine. The imaging technology uses probes that quickly attach to RNA within cells, allowing scientists to visualize the virus's entry, assembly, and replication.
Researchers discovered four genera of haemosporidian parasites in West African bats, closely related to the malaria pathogen Plasmodium. The study highlights the complex relationship between bats and pathogens, with potential implications for understanding human malaria evolution and developing new vaccines.
A team of researchers has developed a unique $24 million project to create a 'body on a chip' that can model the human response to harmful agents, accelerating the development of new therapies. The miniaturized system of human organs will predict the effects of chemical and biologic agents and test potential treatments.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 unknown viral agents in mammals alone, potentially causing emerging diseases like SARS and Ebola. The study provides a new strategy to identify total viral diversity and estimate costs of discovery.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 viruses in mammals, which could provide critical information for early detection and mitigation of disease outbreaks. This undertaking would cost approximately $6.3 billion, but limiting discovery to 85% of total viral diversity could bring the cost down to $1.4 billion.
Scientists successfully treated the Ebola virus in infected animals following onset of disease symptoms, demonstrating promise for developing therapies against the virus. The experimental treatment, known as MB-003, protected 43% of infected non-human primates.
The study showed that the Ebola VP40 protein exists as a dimer and rearranges its structure to assemble filaments for the virus shell or bind RNA, controlling various steps of the life cycle with multiple functions.
Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital have developed a new strategy to safely study deadly influenza viruses, including H5N1 bird flu. By harnessing the power of human lung cells, they create 'viral scissors' that can cut these viruses into pieces, preventing effective transmission to humans.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identified a critical protein called VP35 that deactivates the innate immune system, allowing Ebola viruses to spread. Overexpressing a cellular protein called PACT inhibited viral replication, providing a potential target for new treatments.
Researchers found that viruses like HIV and Ebola hijack the same protein complexes as archaea and humans, using ESCRT machinery for cell division. The study presents a new model system to understand virus-host interactions.
A team of researchers plans to model how humans respond to viral pathogens like influenza, Ebola and West Nile, aiming to provide a detailed molecular understanding for drug development. The study will focus on the host response during infection, using high-throughput screening and advanced data processing methods.
A novel songbird disease has rapidly evolved to become more harmful to its host in just two decades, according to a new study. The research found that the disease became more virulent in both regions studied, with birds exposed to later disease strains developing more swollen eyes that took longer to heal.
Thijn Brummelkamp receives the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work on genetic analysis of human disease. His RNA interference method has been cited over 3500 times and enables detailed study of human genes involved in diseases like cancer.
A study reveals how viral protein 40 allows Ebola to leave host cells and spread infection, paving the way for new drug candidates. Mutating VP40's C-terminal domain reduces its effectiveness in binding to plasma membranes.
Scientists at UTMB discovered that Ebola short-circuits the immune system using proteins that shut down cellular signaling related to interferon, preventing dendritic cell maturation and generating an ineffective adaptive immune response. The researchers found that specific regions of two different proteins are crucial for this mechanism.
Researchers discovered a naturally occurring protein that disrupts cholesterol levels in cell membranes, blocking virus entry. The findings have potential for developing anti-viral therapies targeting the endosome compartment.
Researchers at Texas Biomed discovered that ten FDA-approved drugs showed activity against multiple bacteria and 24 against multiple viruses. Chloroquine, used to treat malaria, was found to be particularly effective against both anthrax and Ebola viruses.