An international effort analyzed 1,610 Ebola virus genomes from the 2013-2016 West African epidemic, revealing insights into factors that sped or slowed the outbreak. The study found that cities played a major role in the magnitude of the epidemic and that distance between cities was key to sparing nearby regions from severe epidemics.
A 2015 NIH study analyzed daily gene activation in an Ebola patient and found a marked decline in antiviral responses before virus clearance from white blood cells. The study showed host responses shifted toward cellular and organ repair, coinciding with clinical improvement.
Researchers analyzed a patient's progression through Ebola virus disease and recovery to identify distinct phases of physiological responses. The study also characterized serum from healthy volunteers receiving the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, identifying six markers that predict adverse reactions.
A recent study suggests that current CDC and WHO guidelines may not be sufficient to protect sewer workers from the risk of contracting Ebola through inhalation. The researchers found that worker inhalation exposure to Ebolavirus-contaminated aerosols in the sewer is a concern that needs to be addressed.
A large clinical trial is being conducted to identify the most promising Ebola vaccination regimens to protect people from the disease. The PREVAC trial will enroll over 5,000 adults and children in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to evaluate three experimental vaccine strategies.
A new study reports that one human monoclonal antibody therapy, MR191-N, protected nonhuman primates from the lethal effects of both Marburg and Ravn viruses. The treatment showed success in clearing the viruses and preventing death in infected animals.
Scientists have successfully treated guinea pigs and rhesus monkeys with a monoclonal antibody to cure Marburg and Ravn viruses. The treatment, MR191-N, provided up to 100% protection when administered within 5 days of infection, offering new hope for preventing and treating filovirus outbreaks.
A successful antibody treatment protected nonhuman primates against the deadly Marburg and Ravn viruses even when given five days after becoming infected. Monoclonal antibodies show promise in providing protection during advanced stages of disease with highly dangerous viruses.
During the West African Ebola crisis, bushmeat consumption decreased overall, but remained constant for wealthier households. Knowledge about Ebola risks reduced consumption among households that knew the risks.
Researchers discovered blood-sucking flies can act as 'flying syringes' to detect emerging infectious diseases in wild animals. The method analyzes the origin of the blood and species of malaria parasites present, with potential implications for controlling global outbreaks.
A study from UC Berkeley found that Zika's decline before the Olympics was foreshadowed by seasonal patterns of similar diseases. Despite this, vulnerable populations in urban slums continue to be affected, highlighting the need for targeted public health efforts.
Researchers found that inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 activation can silence Ebola virus-infected macrophages, a potential treatment option. The study also suggests this approach could work for other hemorrhagic fever viruses.
A pilot study of an interferon drug has shown promising results in treating Ebola patients, with a 67% increase in survival rates compared to those receiving only supportive care. The treatment also relieved clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea earlier than those not treated with the drug.
A comprehensive review of primate social networks and parasites highlights the importance of super-spreaders in disease transmission. Combining behavior data with parasite analysis can help identify high-risk traits and develop targeted interventions.
New research examines the impact of Ebola virus proteins packaged in exosomes on the immune system, impairing its ability to fight off the infection. The study highlights the potential for exosomal VP40 to have a substantial impact on Ebola virus disease.
Researchers have developed a new class of compounds called lysine-conjugated aliphatic norspermidine analogues (LANAs) that effectively kill certain bacteria, including MRSA. Testing on mice showed that the compounds can eliminate MRSA skin infections with no signs of acute toxicity or resistance development.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found that a two-vaccine regimen against Ebola virus disease induced an immune response that persisted for approximately one year in healthy adult volunteers. The investigational vaccines used harmless viral vectors to deliver proteins of the Ebola virus, prompting an immune response.
A new study found that Ebola vaccines provide durable immune responses at one year after vaccination, with 100% of recipients retaining Ebola virus glycoprotein-specific antibodies. The heterologous primary and booster vaccination schedule showed long-lasting immunity, exceeding eight months after primary immunization.
A Georgia State University researcher has received a five-year grant to develop a new drug targeting the Ebola virus. The goal is to find compounds that block the growth of Ebola virus by inhibiting its viral machinery.
Researchers have developed more realistic 3-D co-culture models of intestinal tissue, incorporating immune cells like macrophages, to study Salmonella infections. The models better recapitulate the natural infection process and offer a powerful new tool for understanding enteric pathogenesis.
A new oral Ebola vaccine has shown effectiveness in a chimpanzee trial, offering hope for conserving wild ape populations threatened by diseases like Ebola and anthrax. However, the closure of captive chimpanzee facilities due to changing laws may hinder further research and development.
The Nextstrain software tool has won the first-ever international Open Science Prize for its ability to track genetic mutations during disease outbreaks. The platform makes it easier to share and analyze genetic sequencing data, aiming to speed discoveries and improve human health.
A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.
A combination of two cancer drugs has been found to inhibit both dengue and Ebola virus infections in mice, with efficacy also shown against West Nile and Zika viruses. The study identified a molecular mechanism by which the drugs disrupt RNA viruses' genetic material.
Researchers developed a forecasting model to predict WNV outbreaks, generating accurate forecasts for mosquito infection rates and human cases up to nine weeks prior. This method could give public health officials more time to plan for mosquito control efforts, potentially reducing the number of cases and deaths.
A new method combining contact tracing with targeted indoor spraying of insecticide significantly reduces the spread of the dengue virus. The approach was found to be between 86 and 96 percent effective in controlling dengue fever during a 2009 outbreak in Cairns, Australia.
A new model developed by Georgia Tech professor Eva Lee recommends response strategies for infectious diseases like Zika, with a focus on early intervention and containment methods. The model suggests that 20% compliance rate can reduce total infections by half in Brazil during the Zika outbreak.
Researchers at the University of Kent have found that Ebolaviruses require fewer than five mutations to adapt to new host species, including rodents. This finding highlights the potential for these viruses to spread beyond their natural range and increase the risk to humans.
Research suggests that public officials must demonstrate they care and prioritize building trust to effectively communicate risk. This includes engaging directly with affected communities and the media to address concerns and reduce outrage.
A new study found that Ebola superspreaders were responsible for infecting 61% of all cases in the 2014-15 outbreak. These superspreaders often fit into certain age groups and continue to spread disease after being placed in care facilities.
A Queensland-led team has developed an effective and economical Ebola treatment made with antibodies from horses, which could be used in the next outbreak. The post-exposure treatment is a cost-effective alternative to monoclonal antibodies, which require significant investment for scale-up and manufacture.
Researchers developed a new scale to predict patient outcomes, finding that malaria co-infection, age extremes, and delayed healthcare seeking behavior are key predictors of mortality. The scoring system achieved high accuracy rates of 91% at triage and 97% after triage.
Researchers found that booster words like 'undeniable' and positive emotion terms are viewed as highly credible, while hedge words and mocking terms are seen as less credible. The study also showed a correlation between longer message lengths and higher credibility scores.
A team of experts reviewed post-Ebola reports to identify key problems and recommendations for reform. They found significant gaps between proposed changes and actual action, particularly in strengthening compliance with International Health Regulations.
Researchers used social media and internet reports to analyze exposure patterns during the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic and 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. The study found that alternative data streams can provide reliable information on disease dynamics in the early stages of an outbreak.
Scientists have identified a 'molecular barcode' in blood samples from Ebola patients that can predict survival or death. The analysis provides data on the underlying causes of Ebola virus infection and suggests a potential diagnostic tool to guide treatment strategies.
A global partnership, CEPI, aims to create vaccines for emerging infectious diseases with a $460m initial investment from governments and foundations. The Coalition will target MERS-CoV, Lassa, and Nipah viruses, as well as Ebola and Zika, to develop safe and effective vaccines that can be deployed rapidly to contain outbreaks.
Researchers at UM SOM and SOD published 22 articles on infectious agents, vaccines, and immune system activation. Studies focused on Ebola, Clostridium difficile, biofilms, and other topics, advancing knowledge in infection and immunity research.
Researchers used a new mouse model to study how the Ebola virus affects the immune system, focusing on cellular signaling events. They found that macrophages play a critical role in controlling EBOV infection by producing MAVS, which helps limit organ damage and promotes type I interferon production.
A team of scientists has identified a mechanism to counteract Ebola's ability to spread, revealing that host cells sequester viral proteins away from the plasma membrane. This discovery could lead to a novel antiviral strategy against Ebola.
Scientists discovered Ebola virus RNA lingering in the lungs of a recovering patient for about five days after it cleared from blood. The findings support the possibility of active replication in the lungs, raising potential roles for lung infection in the disease's pathogenesis and transmission.
An experimental Ebola vaccine was highly protective against the deadly virus in a major trial in Guinea, showing no cases among those vaccinated within 10 days. The vaccine's efficacy also led to indirect protection through herd immunity in unvaccinated people, providing weight to early trial results.
Researchers propose new approaches to fight diseases using economic epidemiological modeling and Lagrangian approach, which consider unique factors of social and geographic patches
A Rift Valley fever outbreak has been reported in Niger, with 64 human cases and 23 deaths confirmed. Umeå University's Osama Ahmed Hassan joined a UN expert mission to develop action plans to curb the spread of the disease. The mission aimed to implement short-, mid- and long-term strategies to prevent further outbreaks.
Researchers analysed viromes in blood samples from patients with Ebola symptoms, finding potential links between co-infected pathogens and worsening clinical outcomes. The study aims to identify new pathogens and improve diagnosis for other VHFs.
Researchers developed algorithms to track Ebola epidemic spread, revealing that most infected individuals stayed within their districts. The study's findings suggest using this method could inform effective control measures for new emerging epidemics.
Researchers at UTMB engineered Ebola virus variants to study the components disabling the human immune system. The study found that IIDs promote replication of viral particles in cells and counteract the activity of immune cells.
Current knowledge on EVD in great apes highlights the link between ape outbreaks and human transmission through bushmeat consumption. Vaccination of wild apes could reduce both human and animal risk but feasibility is questionable due to elusive ape habitats.
Human cells produce RNAi molecules in response to influenza A virus infection, but a viral protein blocks this process. The study suggests that RNAi may also be active against Ebola, Marburg, and other RNA viruses.
A team of researchers has found a long-sought-after mechanism in human cells that creates immunity to influenza A virus, which could help treat diseases caused by viruses. The discovery builds on over 20 years of research and demonstrates the antiviral function of RNAi in humans against distinct RNA viruses.
A new platform, Microreact, combines real-time global data sharing and visualization to track and understand outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and antibiotic-resistant microbes. This tool democratizes genomic data, allowing researchers and public health professionals to access and build upon each other's work.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a mutated version of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus that is less deadly and could lead to the development of a vaccine. The discovery was made by exploiting a weakness in the virus' genetic code, which could also help combat other RNA viruses such as HIV and Zika.
A Stanford-led study identified 14 individuals in Sierra Leone who had Ebola antibodies but no symptoms, contradicting previous assumptions about the disease's severity. The research suggests that 25% of Ebola infections were minimally symptomatic, and public health efforts may not have been effective in containing the virus.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that tens of individuals in Sierra Leone showed no signs of Ebola disease but still tested positive for antibodies, suggesting a minority may contract the virus without symptoms. The discovery raises questions about the scope of the 2013-2016 outbreak and potential transmissio...
A new antimalarial compound, pyronaridine, has shown promising activity against the Ebola virus in laboratory tests. The compound, already approved for use in Europe, was identified through a machine learning model and is being tested in vivo to assess its potential as an Ebola treatment.
The Regenstrief Institute's Center for Biomedical Informatics has developed an open-source medical record system, OpenMRS, to support healthcare delivery in resource-poor environments. The platform has been widely adopted and adapted to address various global health challenges.
A new study co-led by TSRI scientists suggests that Ebola virus gained a genetic mutation, GP-A82V, which helps it better target human cells. This mutation emerged early in the epidemic and caused about 90% of infections during the recent outbreak.
Researchers found mutations in Ebola virus that increased its ability to infect human cells, potentially contributing to the outbreak's spread. The mutations did not affect the virus's ability to infect other mammalian species, including fruit bats.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that the prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in West Africa is significantly higher than previously thought. The study revealed that MDR-TB strains were widely circulating and drug resistance was a much bigger problem in the region than anticipated.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that former trainees from sub-Saharan Africa are leaving a positive mark on the African bioethics landscape, with many becoming instructors, serving on IRBs, or publishing bioethics-related research. The training programs have built sustainable capacity in Africa and fostered lasting networks of profession...