Ebola Virus Disease: The Biology, Pathology, Treatments, and Advancements

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is caused by a virulent pathogen, which is a member of the viral family Filoviridae. It is a filamentous viral particle containing a single stranded, negative RNA. It causes extreme fatal hemorrhagic fever in both humans and non-humans. It is mainly found in Africa. Transmission of EVD occurs primarily through contact with infected body fluids. It causes immune suppression that eventually leads to multiple organ failure due to the proliferation. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the 2013-2016 outbreak and after the current Ebola outbreak on August 1, 2018 in Dominican Republic of Congo (DRC), the outbreak has been considered a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”. As of December 16, 2019, the DRC Ministry of Health reported 3,348 cases of Ebola from which 2,210 people died, the fatality ratio for this outbreak being as high as 66%. The objective was to investigate the pathology and mechanisms of the virus and current methods that are used in order to tackle and impede the virus with treatments. Current scientific research explores how the -ssRNA is transcribed by VP35, VP30 and RNA dependent RNA polymerase into +ssRNA, which are then translated into proteins in humans. The research also reviewed current treatments, therapies and the ones that are still under development. This research will provide information about the pathological insights for the ongoing epidemic with further information and understanding about the potential development with creative ideas to make the advancements with Ebola treatments to work. As of the current situation there is no cure for Ebola virus. The goal is to make it more understanding amongst the population worldwide