Filoviruses: Marburg Virus and Ebola Virus
African origins.
Reservoirs are uncertain; recent research suggests that bats are important reservoirs.
Filoviruses dysregulate host inflammatory responses and promote inflammation. This alloww for uncontrolled replication.
High mortality rates.
Can be transmitted from human to human; thus, caretakers are at significant risk of infection.
Pathogenesis:
Marburg and Ebola virus infections produce
hemorrhagic fever with liver and kidney damage
– Vomiting and diarrhea rapidly progress to disseminated intravascular coagulation,
shock, and, in many cases, death.
Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging and organ necrosis is common; potential for neurologic complications.
Treatment & Prevention
Viral hemorrhagic fever isolation precautions (aka, barrier nursing).
No specific treatment. Supportive care includes fluid and electrolyte replenishment (to counter diarrhea and vomiting) and, when needed, blood pressure maintenance (to avoid shock).
