Posted on 11/21/2008 9:35:44 PM PST by neverdem
Scientists report the discovery of a new species of Ebola virus, provisionally named Bundibugyo ebolavirus, November 21 in the open-access journal PLoS Pathogens. The virus, which was responsible for a hemorrhagic fever outbreak in western Uganda in 2007, has been characterized by a team of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia the Uganda Virus Research Institute; the Uganda Ministry of Health; and Columbia University.
Ebola virus infection in humans causes severe disease for which there is presently no vaccine or other treatment. Case fatalities range historically between 53 and 90%. Therefore, research efforts into the Ebola virus genus and potential diagnostics are ongoing, with the discovery of Bundibugyo ebolavirus representing one of the latest pieces added to this puzzle.
The new virus is genetically distinct from all other known Ebola virus species, differing by more than 30% at the genetic level. More traditional ELISA-based assays detected the new virus; however, the unique nature of this virus created initial challenges for traditional Ebola virus molecular diagnostic assays and genome sequencing approaches. To determine the genetic signature of this new Ebola virus species, scientists used a recently developed random-primed pyro-sequencing approach, quickly determining the genetic sequence of over 70% of the virus genome.
Knowledge of this sequence then allowed for the rapid development of a sensitive molecular detection assay which was deployed to the field as part of the outbreak response. This draft sequence also allowed for easy completion of the whole genome sequence using a traditional primer walking approach and prompt confirmation that this virus represented a new Ebola virus species. Current worldwide efforts to design effective diagnostics, antivirals and vaccines will need to take into account the distinct nature of this new member of the Ebola virus genus.
Source : Public Library of Science
Bundibugyo Obama. Another half-sister discovered? How many more does he have?
micro ping
If God decides to use this as a plague, watch out.
Ping (new Ebola virus) Thanks, neverdem!
Not totally true that there is no treatment.
During one of the outbreaks, I think in Uganda, they extracted blood serum from a survivor, and used it on current cases.
IIRC, the few times they tried it, it worked. Something in the blood of the survivor ramped up the immune system of the newly infected folks. Kinda like an anti-venin, I guess.
You are certainly right about that. So far, the only reason why it doesn't spread to more people is because it's too deadly. It kills so fast, it doesn't go very far. The people that get infected die before they can spread it to others.
I’m sorry, I’m at my limit for worrying about things right now. Please come back when things look like they might be getting better:)
They could name this disease after him.Hell,they're renaming everything else Obama these days.This would actually be more fitting.
Ho boy! Just when we getting used to the old ebola!
obama fault!
Maybe Ebola’s mutating into something less nasty?
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