Ebola virus disease: a review

Abstract

Background: Ebola virus (EBV) is a member of the family, Filoviridae, and is the etiological agent of Ebola virus disease or Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF). This disease causes significant morbidity and mortality in humans and non-human primates, with human fatality rates reaching 90% during outbreaks. EVD is presently one of the world’s feared, and classified as a biological class 4 pathogen and its natural reservoir is not known. This review describes the epidemiology, clinical features diagnosis and treatment of EVD. The understanding of viral pathogenesis is limited. Therefore, further studies examining the pathogenic mechanisms of EBV are necessary to fully understand and effectively treat EVD.

Aim: The aim of this review is to obtain information on Ebola virus disease, its Virology, pathogenesis, immune response and immune response evasion as well as some current diagnosis approaches.

Conclusion: EVD is presently one of the world’s feared, and classified as a biological class 4 pathogen with its natural reservoir not known, it has been a serious threat to human individuals due to its highly infectious and lethal behavior, Since the spreads of the disease is mainly through the transmission of blood and body fluids from infected person Extra care should be observed, since yet no approved specific vaccine or antiviral drug to treat the infection.

Key Words: Ebola virus Disease; Ebola hemorrhagic fever.