Articles tagged with Ebola Virus
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from a human Ebola survivor has been shown to completely protect monkeys from lethal infection with the virus. The antibody, known as mAb114, was effective even when given five days after exposure, suggesting it could be used as a potential treatment for human cases.
Researchers found that 70% of Ebola survivors reported musculoskeletal pain, while 48% experienced headaches and 14% had vision problems. The study highlights the need for further research into Post-Ebola Syndrome to understand its causes and consequences.
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from an Ebola survivor protected non-human primates even after lethal infection, offering hope for a potential treatment. The findings suggest a novel site of vulnerability on the Ebola virus and may lead to effective therapy.
Researchers discovered two potent Ebola antibodies that eliminate symptoms in just five days after infection. The monoclonal antibodies target different regions of the virus's glycoprotein and work by interfering with its entry into host cells.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology has found that most Ebola survivors experienced brain symptoms six months after their initial infection. The study, which followed 82 Ebola survivors from Liberia, revealed common neurological problems such as weakness, headache, memory loss, and depressed mood.
Two investigational vaccines against Ebola virus disease induced an immune response among 1,000 participants in the Phase 2 PREVAIL I trial. The cAd3-EBOZ and rVSV-ZEBOV vaccines were well-tolerated and elicited measurable and demonstrable antibodies, respectively.
A study of Ebola survivors found high rates of eye, musculoskeletal, and neurological complications. The study also explored the risk of sexual transmission of Ebola, with most survivors reporting regular sexual activity but few using condoms.
ZMapp, a monoclonal antibody cocktail, was well-tolerated and showed promise in treating Ebola virus disease. The trial's results indicate that patients who received ZMapp appeared to do better than those who received standard-of-care only, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Georgetown infectious disease expert Daniel Lucey discusses the importance of global health leadership in responding to the Zika virus pandemic. He shares his experience working with clinicians and epidemiologists in Brazil and West Africa, highlighting the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging infectious diseases.
A research team has identified a new group of powerful antibodies to fight Ebola virus, isolated from the blood of a survivor of the 2014 Ebola outbreak. The antibodies showed significant protection against the virus in mouse models and could guide the development of a vaccine or therapeutic.
Researchers have isolated a collection of potent antibodies from an Ebola survivor that target the virus's glycoprotein stalk, providing significant post-exposure protection. These antibodies may lead to effective therapies to fight Ebola.
Researchers at Adimab isolated a broad panel of neutralizing anti-Ebola virus antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 outbreak. The study highlights the speed and effectiveness of Adimab's single B cell isolation platform, which was able to identify over 300 monoclonal antibodies within weeks of receiving a blood sample.
A new policy report in Science issues recommendations for responding to infectious disease epidemics, citing the Ebola crisis as a framework. The report proposes rebuilding local health care infrastructures and improving international response capabilities.
Researchers develop a vaccine vector based on cytomegalovirus expressing Ebola virus glycoprotein, demonstrating protection in rhesus macaque model. The study's findings suggest a unique immunological response, producing high levels of antibodies with minimal T cell responses.
Researchers present an experimental Ebola vaccine with 100% efficacy against the virus in West Africa and propose a novel vaccination strategy using ring vaccination. This innovative approach could be adapted to combat other emerging threats like Zika virus.
University of Leeds researchers will run computer software to identify compounds that could be the basis of antivirals for Ebola. The project focuses on finding effective anti-viral drugs, as vaccines are not yet available to treat infected patients.
Researchers developed a real-time system to track Ebola virus particles' interaction with human cells, revealing crucial host and viral proteins involved in fusion. The study identifies specific cellular proteins required for fusion, offering insights into designing future drugs or vaccines.
Two Georgetown University professors urge the World Health Organization to convene an Emergency Committee to advise on the emerging Zika pandemic and galvanize global action. They highlight the need for decisive action, mosquito control, health information campaigns, country-issued travel advisories, accelerated research, and vaccine d...
Researchers have identified antibodies in the blood of survivors that can kill various types of Ebola, providing a potential single treatment against several strains. The study's findings could lead to the development of treatments for Ebola and other related viruses.
Human monoclonal antibodies isolated from Ebola survivors can neutralize multiple species of the virus, including Bundibugyo, Sudan, and Zaire viruses. These findings suggest a common therapeutic or vaccine strategy could solve all Ebola viruses.
A study by University at Buffalo expert Janet Yang found that holding collective, communitarian beliefs contributes to altruistic behavior, while individualistic values hinder it. Emotions like sadness and empathy play a significant role in promoting altruism.
Researchers at Colorado State University found that plague in prairie dogs can provide key insights into the study of rare infectious diseases like Ebola. The disease's spread is influenced by ecological factors, including temperature and population dynamics.
Researchers have engineered antibodies that can potently neutralize Zaire and Sudan Ebola virus strains, providing high levels of protection for mice exposed to lethal doses. The findings are a significant step toward developing an all-inclusive treatment for Ebola virus that causes human disease.
A quick screening method has been used to identify and test promising anti-Ebola drugs. The method, which allows for the evaluation of candidate drugs and comparison of antiviral effectiveness, has shown potential in reducing the emergence of drug resistance and increasing confidence in experimental results.
A team of healthcare workers developed guidelines for treating Ebola-infected children, recommending an aggressive approach that includes fluid therapy, highly fortified food, and increased bedside care. The protocol aims to improve survival rates among young patients and provide a basis for future outbreaks.
A review analysis suggests that patient location and travel mapping limitations contributed to the Ebola epidemic's spread. Employing community members in mapping and education could have helped contain the outbreak.
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of an Ebola vaccine regimen in healthy and HIV-infected study volunteers. The trial includes two vaccine candidates and will assess their safety and immune response in volunteers up to 70 years old.
A recent study by Dr. Anthony Griffiths reveals that the Ebola virus has a high frequency of spontaneous mutation, which could prove useful for developing therapies. Increasing the mutation rate may make the virus non-viable, providing a potential therapeutic tool against the disease.
Researchers found that areas with high poverty levels were more likely associated with high Ebola transmission and spread. In contrast, lower socioeconomic status communities had a higher number of personal contacts, increasing the likelihood of transmission.
Researchers discovered a molecular 'arms race' between Ebola virus and African straw-colored fruit bats that may have started over 25 million years ago. The study sheds light on the biological factors determining which bat species harbor the virus, with potential applications for preventing future outbreaks.
A large study of Ebola survivors found that many reported complications such as vision and hearing problems, as well as joint pain, months after recovery. The study suggests that the virus may persist in certain bodily fluids and highlights the need for follow-up care in West Africa.
Researchers have solved the crystal structures of three human TIM members and found that they efficiently enhance Ebola virus infection. The study provides valuable information on the atomic interactions between phosphoserine and hTIMs.
A new rapid test using polarized light can detect a wide range of pathogens, including malaria parasites, HIV, Ebola, diverse bacteria, glucose and cholesterol. The test is extremely fast, inexpensive, and flexible, making it suitable for use in areas with limited laboratory equipment.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of Ebola virus sequences from Liberia reveals a single introduction source, followed by local spread and diversification. The study also identified reintroductions as a key factor in the continuation of the outbreak in Guinea.
The US has sufficient capacity to treat another Ebola outbreak, but challenges remain in providing necessary resources, staffing, and training. The study highlights issues with waste disposal, staffing, and pediatric care, emphasizing the need for further investigation and investment.
Researchers used genome sequencing to trace Ebola's spread in Liberia, finding that most cases were linked to a single introduction of the virus in September 2014. The study suggests that widespread migration within Liberia contributed to the outbreak's magnitude and longevity.
A new report reveals that increased funding for Ebola research and development comes at the expense of other neglected diseases, which cause more deaths annually than Ebola. Despite this, industry investment in R&D for Ebola, malaria, and HIV/AIDS increases, while funding for TB R&D decreases.
A no-fault vaccine injury compensation fund is proposed to address liability concerns and ensure recipients are fairly compensated in rare cases of harm. The World Bank could oversee the program, which would provide rapid deployment of vaccines without hesitation due to liability concerns.
Researchers found that Ebola virus blood levels are strong predictors of fatality, with case fatality ratios increasing with viremia levels. The study used laboratory and clinical data from 699 patients to model the association between viremia and CFR.
Scientists from TSRI have shown how a previously unknown process promotes infection in dangerous viruses, such as dengue, West Nile, and Ebola. They also point to an experimental antibiotic called duramycin that inhibits infection by these deadly viruses, all of which lack vaccines and treatments.
A panel of global experts recommends 10 major reforms to strengthen the global system for outbreak prevention and response. The report highlights the need for improved governance, research data sharing, and rapid institutional responses to prevent future pandemics.
The International Health Regulations (IHR) face a 'crisis of confidence' following the Ebola epidemic. Georgetown experts recommend reforms to build core capacities, clarify reporting requirements, and strengthen emergency responses.
Researchers found that transmission in the general community is low-risk, with even living with someone infected not posing a significant threat if direct contact is avoided. The study recommends urgent diagnosis, hospitalization, and targeted vaccination strategies for close contacts and healthcare workers to stop the spread of Ebola.
A new Ebola vaccine has been found to be well-tolerated and stimulate strong immune responses in adults in Mali and the US. The study's findings could offer crucial protection for contacts of patients with confirmed Ebola disease, helping to interrupt transmission.
A new study found that gamma interferon, an FDA-approved drug, completely protects mice from death when given either before or up to 24 hours after exposure to Ebola. The treatment targets macrophages and blocks the infection of those initial cell targets, preventing a second round of infection.
A novel statistical model mapped the spread of the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, providing the most detailed picture to date. The analysis suggests two critical opportunities to control the epidemic and identifies two critical points where intervention could have been more effective.
Researchers designed a giant molecule formed by thirteen fullerenes covered by carbohydrates to block the Ebola virus receptor, inhibiting cell infection. The study highlights the potential of these giant molecules as antiviral agents, paving the way for new treatments.
A rapid-detection Ebola test developed by Dr. Manfred Weidmann has been deployed in Senegal and Guinea, performing exceptionally well under field conditions. The test uses a method called recombinase polymerase amplification and can be stored at room temperature, operated by local teams without the need for confirmatory tests.
The study found that African immigrants experienced discrimination and stigma linked to the Ebola virus, leading to stress and hardships. The researchers emphasize the need for research on infectious diseases affecting immigrant communities in the US.
Experts identify self-disseminating vaccines as a potential solution to control emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) at their animal source. The vaccines use virus-based vectors to deliver vaccinations across populations, making it easier to inoculate animals and prevent disease transmission.
Researchers at Penn University discovered that inhibiting a calcium-signaling pathway can block the Ebola virus from exiting host cells and spreading, paving the way for potential broad-spectrum therapy. This approach has implications for treating multiple serious viral infections, including Marburg, Lassa, and Junin viruses.
A suspected case of sexual Ebola transmission was confirmed using genomic analysis, providing evidence of direct transmission between an EVD survivor and his partner. The study also shows the persistence of infectious EBOV in semen for over 179 days after disease onset.
Researchers estimate that introducing Ebola treatment beds prevented an estimated 57,000 Ebola cases and 40,000 deaths in Sierra Leone. The study suggests that this could have been reduced further if the beds were introduced one month earlier.
A new antiviral compound, GS-5734, has shown 100% survival rate and significant reduction in viral load in infected rhesus monkeys. The compound's ability to block the virus's replication process suggests its potential as a treatment for Ebola virus disease.
James Munro of Tufts University School of Medicine has received the NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop a new way to use single molecule imaging of Ebola glycoproteins. This research aims to inform the design of structure-based vaccines to fight the spread of Ebola.
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) has been awarded a $20 million CDC grant to expand its efforts in preventing another Ebola outbreak in Liberia. The two-year grant will support training of healthcare workers, improvement of public health laboratory systems and hospital diagnostic services.
Recent developments in surveillance technology could enable a swifter response to potentially deadly outbreaks of disease. A team of infectious disease experts found that shortcomings in the global response to Ebola highlight the need for state-of-the-art techniques to detect and monitor outbreaks.
Researchers developed a real-time DNA sequencing test that can detect multiple pathogens, including Ebola, Chikungunya, and hepatitis C, using nanopore sequencing technology. The test can be used in scarce lab environments and provides rapid results, cutting the time required for diagnosis to just minutes.
A team at University of California - Santa Cruz developed chip-based technology for reliable Ebola detection, combining microfluidic and optofluidic chips. The system achieved comparable sensitivity to PCR analysis with excellent specificity.
Genetic mutations in Ebola virus appear to block antibody-based treatments from warding off infection. The mutations, or 'escape variants,' have implications for the continued development of therapeutics to treat Ebola virus disease, which has claimed over 11,000 lives in West Africa.