Etiology/Pathophysiology of Ebola Virus

Etiology/Pathophysiological basis of Ebola

Etiology/Transmission: 

The Ebola virus causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated. It is thought that fruit bats are natural Ebola hosts. 

"Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest, Ebola then spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids" (1). 

"No formal evidence exists of sexual transmission, but sexual transmission from convalescent patients cannot be ruled out. There is evidence that live Ebola virus can be isolated in seminal fluids of convalescent men for 82 days after onset of symptoms. Evidence is not available yet beyond 82 days. There is no evidence of live Ebola virus in vaginal secretions." (1). 

The videos below do a great job of explaining what exactly Ebola is and how it infects and affects us humans. 

A good article to look at for more etiological/pathophysiological information on ebola is: 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ebola-virus/basics/causes/con-20031241

This article contains lots of easy to read and understand material on just what exactly is Ebola.

Major cause of Ebola is from infected animal to humans then human-human transmission can occur. At risk individuals are those traveling or living in infected areas, especially healthcare workers. This virus is highly contagious so healthcare workers need to be extra careful and diligent in implementing their precautionary measures. 

Because there is no real treatment or cure, only symptomatic treatment it is essential to begin early supportive care when infection occurs or has been thought to occur, specifically rehydration. 

References:

1.) Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus (2014, August 6) Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ebola-virus/basics/causes/con-20031241

2.) Ebola Virus Disease (2014, October 27). UpToDate. Retrieved April 3, 2015, from http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1915432

3.) Ebola Virus Disease. WHO (2015, April) Retrieved April 10, 2015 from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-and-pathogenesis-of-ebola-virus-disease

4.) MedShare. (2014, July 1). Retrieved April 3, 2015, from http://www.medshare.org/donate/urgent-relief/ebola-basics