A new Lassa fever and rabies vaccine has demonstrated effective protection in animal models of disease, suggesting a new way to test for protection against the virus. Researchers have also identified a new surrogate measure of protection that could aid in vaccine development.
A novel synthetic DNA vaccine offers complete protection from Zaire Ebolavirus infection, with strong immune responses detected one year after the last dose. The vaccine's efficacy and durability support its potential as a new tool for protection against Ebola virus.
Massachusetts General Hospital is participating in a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of ZMapp, an experimental Ebola treatment. The hospital aims to enhance its biothreats preparedness and provide access to life-saving therapeutics for patients with confirmed Ebola or high-risk exposure.
A new NYU study used text message surveys to track maternal health services during the 2015 Ebola outbreak, finding a drop in hospital-based births and similar declines in both public and private facilities. The method's accuracy was validated through propensity score matching with national survey data.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge are launching a new clinical trial for a trivalent vaccine targeting Ebola, Lassa, and Marburg viruses. The vaccine builds on nearly two decades of research and aims to predict future outbreaks by studying natural animal reservoirs.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified rare antibodies that can bind to the Ebola virus and stop infection, potentially leading to a universal therapy. The new research reveals how these antibodies work by targeting a conserved region of the viral fusion loop.
Research has shed light on the mechanism of sexual transmission of Marburg virus, identifying persistent infection in seminiferous tubules and specialized cells called Sertoli cells. The study suggests that targeting immunosuppressive regulatory T cells may help clear Marburg virus from the testes, preventing sexual transmission.
The discovery of the Bombali virus in Sierra Leone's bats marks a significant breakthrough for the PREDICT project, which aims to find viruses before they spillover into humans. The finding suggests that bats are likely hosts of ebolaviruses and underscores the importance of understanding their role in preventing Ebola outbreaks.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that two types of human antibodies synergize to inhibit different steps of Ebola virus infection. Antibody cocktails combining complementary antiviral effects are proposed as a potential treatment strategy.
The Central Africa region is experiencing rapid urbanization and economic growth, making it more vulnerable to explosive infectious disease outbreaks. The authors note that efforts to build up health care infrastructure are critically needed to mitigate or prevent a large outbreak of Ebola or other infectious diseases in the region.
Experts review current Ebola vaccine candidates and clinical trials, highlighting key gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed by future research. More data is needed on the durability and rapidity of immune responses generated by various vaccine approaches.
Researchers found a new approach to stop Ebola virus by disabling its infection machinery and boosting the immune system. Nine antibodies that protect mice without neutralizing in test tubes were identified, offering hope for therapeutic cocktails.
A new study by Texas Biomedical Research Institute sheds light on the role of specific proteins in triggering autophagy, a mechanism allowing Ebola virus to enter cells. The findings have implications for treating complex diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's, where macropinocytosis is dysregulated.
Researchers found that Ebola outbreaks have a lasting negative impact on Liberian agricultural production, income, and food security. Despite no difference in annual household income between affected and unaffected areas, communities with EVD experienced greater crop production losses.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have isolated two potent monoclonal antibodies that efficiently neutralized the Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo ebolaviruses. These antibodies also showed protection against infection in animal models, offering a promising lead for the development of injectable antibody treatments.
A recent study led by Georgia State University identifies a gene from Ebola virus in myotis bats, which has been adapted to regulate their own immune response. The researchers found that the gene is attenuated in its ability to inhibit the immune response, but shares a similar structure with the Ebola VP35 protein.
A study found that Myotis bats have integrated viral proteins produced by Ebola into their genomes, resulting in less potent immune suppressors. This suggests that bats may have co-opted these proteins for immune function, potentially reducing their susceptibility to viral infections.
A study found that bats have preserved a viral gene from an ancient Ebola-like virus for millions of years. The VP35 gene helps regulate the immune system and may play a role in preventing disease in bats.
A flare-up of an Ebola infection in a woman who had survived the disease a year earlier has highlighted the need for continued surveillance and strengthened health systems. The virus was detected in her family members, including her husband and sons, through genetic analysis.
A new Scripps Research study found that nearly all Ebola survivors had killer T cells responding to the nucleoprotein, while only a minority responded to the glycoprotein. This discovery suggests a more effective vaccine strategy by targeting both proteins.
Researchers identified cytotoxic T cell responses to Ebola-specific proteins in 26 Sierra Leonean survivors, suggesting a vaccine targeting both viral nucleoprotein and glycoprotein could elicit cell-mediated immunity. The study provides insights into the immune response of Ebola survivors and potential strategies for vaccine development.
Scientists have discovered a set of powerful broadly neutralizing antibodies in the blood of Ebola survivors, providing substantial protection against disease caused by three Ebola virus species. The researchers hope that these antibodies will serve as promising candidates for further development as therapeutic molecules.
Lehigh University researchers aim to block specific virus entry while preserving normal cellular processes, which is a principal difficulty in designing therapies against viruses. The Ebola virus infects healthy cells by disguising itself as debris, prompting the need for accurate understanding of virus uptake processes.
Dr. Christopher Basler and his team will study Reston ebolavirus (Reston virus), a virus that resembles Ebola but does not cause disease in humans. They aim to better understand the virus's mechanisms of replication, animal disease severity, and potential ways to reduce its deadly effects.
Researchers found Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone suffered from a range of neurological disorders, including migraines and stroke. The study suggests that these patients require specialist support and treatment to manage their symptoms.
A Penn study found that protein fragments in semen enhance Ebola virus transmission and protect the virus from environmental stress. Researchers suggest targeting amyloids could prevent sexual transmission of the Ebola virus.
Researchers created a genetic family tree of the Ebola epidemic, revealing its spread between 2013-2016. Closing international borders proved effective in slowing down the virus, while local measures had little impact.
Researchers develop flexible vaccine platform for single-dose protection against a range of infectious diseases. The technology offers rapid, large-scale production and is suitable for repeated use.
Researchers analyzed WASH and IPC data from two Ebola treatment centers in Sierra Leone, finding strong correlations between patient population size, disinfectant usage, and personal protective equipment use. The study's findings can aid planning and management of facilities for future Ebola outbreaks.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is evaluating the safety and tolerability of mAb114, a single monoclonal antibody developed from an Ebola survivor. The trial aims to enroll 18-30 healthy volunteers and will not expose participants to Ebola virus.
Researchers have created a modeling framework that takes a zoonotic perspective on Ebola, predicting the next outbreak by tracking bat migration patterns and environmental factors. The study suggests that environmental conditions play a key role in the spread of the Ebola virus among bats.
Researchers have devised a way to rapidly synthesize and screen millions of novel proteins that could be used as drugs against Ebola and other viruses. These 'xenoproteins' offer advantages over naturally occurring proteins, including increased stability and potential for better immune response.
Key findings highlight the need for rapid, well-coordinated responses to future outbreaks; effective communication with local communities is essential for ethically responsible research. The paper emphasizes the importance of sustained international support for health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study identifies specific characteristics of Ebola retinal lesions, providing clues on how the virus travels to the retina and causes damage. Researchers found unique retinal scars in 15% of Ebola survivors with reported eye symptoms after recovery.
A University of Kent-led study reveals that prophylactic mass vaccination programs are not effective in preventing new Ebolavirus outbreaks. To establish herd immunity, 80% of the population would need to be immunized, which is currently unachievable.
NIH scientists found that Makona Ebola virus mutations did not impact disease progression or viral shedding in animal models, suggesting a consistent disease presentation. The study also compared EBOV-Makona to the original EBOV-Mayinga strain, finding that Makona is less virulent.
Researchers have identified and studied antibodies from human survivors of Ebola Bundibugyo that neutralize and protect against infection with several different Ebola virus species. The newly discovered antibodies bond at a different site on the Ebola virus than other antibodies currently used to develop Ebola therapies.
Researchers have created a modeling framework that considers ecological dimensions driving bat migration patterns to forecast Ebola outbreaks. The tool analyzes spatially distributed random fluctuations of environmental parameters to understand how they impact bat migrations.
A MU study found that news coverage of Ebola focused on individual stories to humanize those affected, increasing public understanding and awareness. The researchers suggest that reporters covering health crises should consider writing human interest stories that also share helpful information.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that initial estimates of Ebola's genome change rate were due to biased computer models and limited virus sample data. The team's new calculations show a slower, more accurate mutation rate over time.
Researchers report successful cataract surgeries in 34 Ebola survivors, improving visual acuities from Hand Motions to 20/30 levels. The study provides evidence for safe elective eye surgery in Ebola survivors at risk of uveitis and vision impairment.
A new study reveals that many viruses infecting humans today have ancient evolutionary histories dating back to the first vertebrates, with discoveries made in fish and reptiles. The research, a collaboration between several institutions, found 214 novel RNA viruses in healthy animals, including relatives of Ebola and influenza viruses.
The study found that preprint posting increased during the Zika epidemic compared to the Ebola outbreak, providing earlier access to scientific reports. The authors advocate for broader use of preprints to facilitate criticism, analysis, and further studies in infectious disease outbreaks.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered a common pattern of immune response among monkeys exposed to Ebola virus, occurring four days before the onset of fever. This finding suggests a possible biomarker for early diagnosis and could lead to better quarantine and control of outbreaks.
Scientists identified potential biomarkers in nonhuman primates exposed to Ebola virus that appeared up to four days before fever onset. These markers could predict disease development prior to other host-based indications of infection.
Researchers at Georgia State University identified a chemical compound that effectively inhibits the replication of the Ebola virus and several other viruses. The study found benzoquinoline to be a potent antiviral agent with activity against multiple viruses, including Marburg virus and Zika virus.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that high doses of antiviral drug favipiravir extended survival in non-human primates infected with Ebola virus. The drug was shown to inhibit viral replication in a drug concentration-dependent manner, with animals treated at higher doses surviving longer than those treated at lower doses.
A majority of US adults (59.7%) would pay at least $1 for an Ebola vaccine, according to a national survey conducted during the 2014-2016 West African outbreak. Participants who had traveled internationally and were interested in getting vaccinated were more likely to be willing to pay.
Researchers at Purdue University may have discovered a way to stop Ebola virus replication by mutating its most important protein, VP40. The study found that altering the amino acid sequence of VP40 reduces lipid binding and prevents viral budding, offering new targets for therapeutics.
A new study using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery vectors found that ZMapp antibodies administered to mice resulted in 100% protection against Ebola infection. The study also compared different doses and routes of administration, with the best results achieved using a single rAAV-delivered antibody.
Researchers from NIAID highlight the potential of monoclonal antibodies in treating and preventing emerging infectious diseases. These therapies have shown promise in clinical trials, such as the Ebola outbreak, and may offer a more targeted approach to infection prevention and treatment.
University of Alberta researchers have found the Ebola polymerase enzyme, which may lead to more effective research and better treatments for the often fatal infection. The discovery allows for the study of Ebola inhibitors in any lab environment, accelerating the search for antiviral medicines.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have made a breakthrough in combating Ebola with an innovative antibody delivery method. The approach delivers monoclonal antibodies through a viral vector, bypassing the need for a natural immune response, offering 100-per-cent protection against Ebola infection in mice.
Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute are set to test the experimental Ebola treatment ZMapp, which showed a 91% probability of preventing mortality in a previous study. The trial is part of a $2 million contract with Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc. and aims to determine the effectiveness of the therapy.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak had a significant impact on Liberia's healthcare system, with a 67.3% drop in clinic visits and 35.2% decrease in first ANC visits four months into the outbreak. However, health system outputs began rebounding by November 2016, with all systems exceeding pre-Ebola forecasted trends for three consecutive months.
Researchers at Lehigh University aim to elucidate the biomechanical mechanism of Ebola-host cell interaction using computational molecular adhesion mechanics and single-molecule force spectroscopy. Their goal is to provide new pharmacological targets for antiviral drug development.
Researchers will collect data from survivors of viral outbreaks to understand how some people fight off the disease. The goal is to inform vaccine design, develop new diagnostics, and prevent future outbreaks.
A study found that Ebola virus infects reproductive organs of macaques, suggesting similar infection in humans. The virus can persist in female reproductive tissues and may reach seminal fluid in men.
Researchers at Hokkaido University identified a key process enabling Ebola virus entry, targeting antiviral drug development.
The Future Vaccine Manufacturing Hub aims to increase vaccine coverage worldwide, improve response to deadly outbreaks, and overcome barriers in vaccine distribution. Researchers will explore innovative approaches, including synthetic RNA vaccines and protein stabilisation, to rapidly respond to emerging threats.