How understanding its

biology will help us

win the battle
Viruses: the ultimate opportunists!
extremely tiny
parasites that can
only reproduce if
they are within
the cell of a living
organism.
made up of DNA
or RNA (as their
genetic material)
surrounded by a
protein coat.
Some viruses may use
the cell to hang out
and lay low when it
suits them.
The host organism is
temporarily unharmed.
Then later, the virus
reproduces in the cell.
HIV
HSV
HPV
Strategies viruses use
to take advantage of their hosts
Other viruses, however, immediately attempt a
hostile take over to use the cell to reproduce.
The cell is harmed and eventually dies causing a
DISEASE in the host organism.
Ebola & its host cell
Understanding
the Ebola virus
strategy
Uses its outer
membrane (stolen
from host cell) to
sneak into the cell
Once inside,
immediately takes
over & starts
replicating itself
Attacks different cells in the body, e.g., lining of
blood vessels, white blood cells, liver cells
resulting in internal bleeding/organ failure
Releases chemicals that block signaling among
our defense cells, weakening our defense
After replicating itself within the cells, they are
released into bodily fluids such as blood, saliva,
mucus, vomit, feces, sweat, tears, breast milk,
urine & semen
In bodily fluids, may remain infective for a few
days (except in semen where it may last up to 7
weeks even after recovery)
In dry objects such as used needles, syringes or
any surface, may last for a few hours
Once Ebola virus
penetrates the brain,
patients may become
increasingly
aggressive & violent,
endangering those
caring for them.
In the late stages of
the disease, patients
tend to be alone in
their suffering with
healthcare workers
focused on stopping
transmission.
Finally, Ebola virus tends to mutate rapidly
(as fast as influenza virus)
Family tree of Ebola virus
The Current (2014) Ebola Epidemic
The known reservoir of Ebola virus are wild
animals, especially fruit bats.
Outbreaks occur as a result of human contact
with animal Ebola carriers, e.g., bushmeat.
EVD is highly contagious among humans. In
West Africa transmission rate of the current
outbreak is at 1.5-2, hence, still out of control.
In Guinea (Dec., 2013), unprotected contact
with corpses & burial rituals are believed to be
responsible for the initial outbreak.
From Dec 2013 to Sept 2014, over 4000 cases
reported to WHO, projected to go over 20,000
by Nov, 1.4 million by end of Jan 2015
(IF IT REMAINS UNCONTROLLED)
This exceptionally large epidemic is not believed
to be due to a biological change in the virus,
rather in insufficient control efforts & condition
of public health system.
17 cases outside
of Africa have
been reported, 4
have died,
including Eric
Duncan, the
Liberian who
went to Texas.
So what should our counterstrategy be?
Contain the rapidly growing epidemic in West
Africa until transmission rate is below 1 by
recruiting more healthcare workers to
provide intensive/supportive care
continue contact tracing & isolation
speed up development of vaccines/drugs,
especially those targeting Ebola virus outer
membrane & then vaccinate people in
affected areas
exit screening for travelers
In the US, rapid intervention by relentless
contact tracing & isolation (HALT transmission!)
Proper training & equipment for healthcare
workers
Coordinated information dissemination
Ebola virus is transmitted through contact
with bodily fluids after symptoms have
developed.
It enters the body by nose, mouth, eyes,
open wound & abrasions.
If Ebola exposure is suspected, report to medical
authorities ASAP.
If symptoms show up, demand prompt care to
increase the chance of full recovery.