Folia medica Cracoviensia
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Folia medica Cracoviensia · Jan 2014
ReviewGeneral introduction into the Ebola virus biology and disease.
Epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever which appeared in the countries of West Africa in 2014, is the largest outbreak which occurred so far. The virus causing this epidemic, Zaire Ebolavirus (ZEBOV), along with four other species of Ebolaviruses is classified to the genus Ebolavirus in the family Filoviridae. ⋯ Mortality is the result of multi-organ failure and severe bleeding complications. The aim of this review is to present the general characteristics of the virus and its biological properties, pathogenicity and epidemiology, with a focus on laboratory methods used in the diagnosis of these infections.
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Folia medica Cracoviensia · Jan 2014
ReviewThe determinants of spread of Ebola virus disease - an evidence from the past outbreak experiences.
The paper summarizes available evidence regarding the determinants of spread of Ebola virus disease, including health care and community related risk factors. It was observed that the level of uncertainty for the estimations is relatively high which may hinder to make some predictions for the future evolution of EVD outbreak. The natural history of EVD has shown that the disease may pose a problem to developed countries and may present a thread to individuals. Although observed modes of transmission mainly include direct contact and contaminated staff, high case fatality ratio and frequent contacts among individuals in developed countries are among determinants which may lead to the development of the EVD outbreak.
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Folia medica Cracoviensia · Jan 2014
ReviewEbola virus disease control in Poland - are we ready for fight?
Despite very low risk assessment, Polish authorities should be prepared for imported EVD cases and be ready to protect public against the spread of Ebolavirus (EBOV). There is the consistent system of infectious diseases surveillance and control in entire country, regulated by law. In Poland the Public Sanitary Inspection has jurisdiction over infectious diseases surveillance. ⋯ There is one reference laboratory in Poland in National Institute of Public Health, which performed tests for EBOV detection. The hospitals and outpatient care services and sanitary inspection were evaluated on possession the appropriate PPE for medical staff, in case of direct contact with EVD patient would be needed. Regardless, very law risk for Poland to be affected by EVD outbreak our country is sufficiently prepared for fighting with EBOV infection.
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Folia medica Cracoviensia · Jan 2014
ReviewEbola haemorrhagic fever virus: pathogenesis, immune responses, potential prevention.
Ebola zoonotic RNA filovirus represents human most virulent and lethal pathogens, which induces acute hemorrhagic fever and death within few days in a range of 60-90% of symptomatic individuals. Last outbreak in 2014 in West Africa caused panic that Ebola epidemic can be spread to other continents. Number of deaths in late December reached almost 8,000 individuals out of more than 20,000 symptomatic patients. ⋯ Tested prevention strategies to induce antiviral immunity include: i. recombinant virus formulations (vaccines); ii. cocktail of monoclonal antibodies (serotherapy); iii. alternative RNA-interference-based antiviral methods. Maintaining the highest standards of aseptic and antiseptic precautions is equally important. Present brief review summarizes a current knowledge concerning pathogenesis of Ebola hemorrhagic disease and the virus interaction with the immune system and discusses recent advances in prevention of Ebola infection by vaccination and serotherapy.
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Folia medica Cracoviensia · Jan 2014
ReviewPharmacotherapy of Ebola hemorrhagic fever: a brief review of current status and future perspectives.
The 2014 outbreak clearly showed that Ebola viruses (EBOV) remain a substantial threat for public health. The mainstay of management of patients with Ebola disease is isolation of patients and use of strict barrier nursing procedures; the present treatment strategies are mainly symptomatic and supportive (fluid resuscitation, antypyretics, antidiarrheal drugs). ⋯ BCX4430, favipiravir). The scope of this article is to briefly review the most promising therapeutics for EHF, based on the data coming from rare clinical reports, studies on animals and results from in vitro models.