Articles tagged with Ebola Virus
The US FDA has approved the use of a rhesus macaque model to support the development of remdesivir, an investigational antiviral agent for treating Ebola virus infections. The study provides a framework for developing Ebola therapeutics under animal rule.
A survey of nearly 1,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that low public trust during the 2018 Ebola outbreak led to lower vaccination rates and increased refusal to seek care. Higher trust was linked to greater willingness to accept vaccination and seek medical attention.
Researchers have developed a simple model to understand the biomechanics of Ebola virus-host cell adhesion, which is essential for guiding the development of therapies. The model characterizes the interaction between the virus and cell surface receptors, providing new information on the road to developing an effective Ebola treatment.
Researchers found Ebola survivors in Liberia had higher rates of uveitis, muscle pain, fatigue, and joint pain compared to a control group. Physical exams also revealed abnormal findings in abdominal, chest, and neurologic areas.
A new study found that genetic diversity is key to helping frogs survive the deadly Ranavirus disease. The research showed that a specific combination of immune genes can help tadpoles limit the severity of the virus. This finding has implications for frog species in Florida, which are threatened by the disease.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from Ebola patients in Sierra Leone to understand the progression of the disease and potential treatments. The study identified a critical role for choline and microvesicles in the virus's progression, with survivors showing higher levels of phosphatidylcholines and healthy individuals having lower PS...
Researchers at MUSC created an online software package to train health care workers using simulation in safe Ebola disease response, increasing knowledge of effective prevention by up to 19% and reducing critical errors. The program aims to reduce the number of critical errors and risky actions committed when treating an Ebola patient.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to test two experimental Ebola vaccines, ChAd3-EBO-Z and MVA-BN-Filo, for their safety and ability to produce an immune response. The trial aims to enroll up to 60 healthy volunteers between 18-45 years of age.
Researchers found genetic material and antibodies from the virus in a Greater Long-fingered bat in Liberia's Nimba District. The discovery adds to evidence suggesting bats serve as natural wildlife reservoirs for Ebola and other related viruses, shedding light on how outbreaks occur.
An investigational monoclonal antibody, mAb114, has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in an early-stage clinical trial involving adults. The treatment, which targets the Ebola virus's surface protein, demonstrated promising results, with all participants experiencing mild side effects.
A team of researchers at Texas Biomed has identified the interaction between an Ebola virus protein and a human cell protein that may be crucial to understanding the virus's life cycle. By studying this interaction in human cells using live virus, the scientists hope to develop potential drug targets to stop the disease.
Scientists have developed a combination of monoclonal antibodies that protect animals from all three Ebola viruses, known to cause human disease. The experimental treatment, called MBP134, has shown broad protective efficacy in both animal models and large animal models.
Researchers have developed a two-antibody cocktail that protects nonhuman primates and ferrets against lethal Ebola virus infections of multiple strains. The breakthrough offers potential for a single-dose treatment to reduce healthcare worker burden during outbreaks.
Researchers have identified a new genus of filovirus from fruit bats in China, which shares similarities with Ebola and Marburg viruses. The Mengla virus has been found in different geographic locations than other filoviruses and poses a potential risk of interspecies transmission.
Researchers have identified a new genus of filovirus from a Rousettus bat in China, which shares genetic similarities with Ebola and Marburg viruses. The M?nglà virus poses a potential risk of interspecies transmission and has only been detected in bats so far.
A lab study identified key ways the three viruses hijack human cells and found at least one potential drug that can disrupt this process in human cells. Researchers also discovered how the Zika virus might cause microcephaly in infants, a crucial step towards developing a treatment.
Researchers discovered a human protein, RBBP6, that interferes with the Ebola virus replication cycle. By mimicking this protein's function, a small molecule drug could potentially block Ebola virus infection in human cells.
Researchers identified a new interaction between the Ebola virus protein VP30 and human host protein RBBP6, which disrupts virus growth. The study provides potential therapeutic targets for treating Ebola virus infections.
A new Ebola diagnostic test developed by David Sebba and colleagues offers a simple solution for detecting the disease in low-resource settings. The point-of-care test can distinguish between Ebola and other endemic diseases like Lassa fever and malaria within 30 minutes.
Researchers discovered that derivatives of amodiaquine can effectively block Ebola virus infection, with modified compounds showing improved potency and reduced toxicity. The findings offer a new therapeutic approach to treating patients infected with Ebola.
A randomized, controlled trial is enrolling patients with confirmed Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo to compare mortality among those receiving three investigational drugs with a control group. The trial aims to establish the safety and efficacy of these treatments in a comprehensive response to combat Ebola.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have successfully engineered novel DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies targeting Zaire Ebolavirus, which offered complete and long-term protection against lethal virus challenges. The study provides a simple, rapid, and reproducible approach for immunization and evaluation of antibody efficacy.
Three experimental Ebola vaccines showed persistent immunity for at least two and a half years, driving new vaccine development against diseases like Lassa fever, Nipah virus disease, and MERS-CoV. The study's findings have implications far beyond the Ebola fight, providing insights that could expedite vaccine development.
Scientists have imaged the Ebola virus protein structure at near-atomic resolution, revealing a complex with individual RNA nucleotides and amino-acid side chains. This clarity may help find targets for antiviral drugs, one step closer to understanding how the whole virus works.
Researchers aim to understand how malarial infections impact people exposed to Ebola virus, with a goal of developing tailored therapeutics for co-infection cases. The study will assess molecular impacts using an animal model and may involve testing in nonhuman primates.
The WRAIR is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial of the VRC-MARADC087-00-VP vaccine candidate, developed by NIAID, in healthy adult volunteers. The vaccine aims to stimulate rapid but durable immunity against Marburg virus, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever.
Researchers have developed a two-pronged approach targeting Ebola virus infection using linked nucleic acid (LNA) antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The study demonstrates effective targeting of two Ebola viral genes and the ability to prevent infectivity via Niemann-Pick C1.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.