Ebolavirus and haemorrhagic syndrome

Gerald A. Matua*, Dirk M. Van Der Wal, Rozzano C. Locsin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Ebola virus is a highly virulent, single-stranded ribonucleic acid virus which affects both humans and apes and has fast become one of the world’s most feared pathogens. The virus induces acute fever and death, with haemorrhagic syndrome occurring in up to 90% of patients. The known species within the genus Ebolavirus are Bundibugyo, Sudan, Zaïre, Reston and Taï Forest. Although endemic in Africa, Ebola has caused worldwide anxiety due to media hype and concerns about its international spread, including through bioterrorism. The high fatality rate is attributed to unavailability of a standard treatment regimen or vaccine. The disease is frightening since it is characterised by rapid immune suppression and systemic inflammatory response, causing multi-organ and system failure, shock and often death. Currently, disease management is largely supportive, with containment efforts geared towards mitigating the spread of the virus. This review describes the classification, morphology, infective process, natural ecology, transmission, epidemic patterns, diagnosis, clinical features and immunology of Ebola, including management and epidemic containment strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e171-e176
JournalSultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
Volume15
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - May 1 2015

Keywords

  • Disease management
  • Ebola
  • Ebolavirus
  • Filoviridae
  • Hemorrhage
  • Hemorrhagic fever
  • Pathogenicity factors
  • Virulence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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