Microbial Genetics BT405
Thomas Jefferson University
December 15, 2010
Development of a Monovalent Vaccine Based on cAdVax Technology Against Zaire Ebola Virus Offers Hope in Developing a Bivalent Vaccine Against the 2 Deadliest Strains
Ebola viruses are a group of highly pathogenic filoviruses that cause outbreaks of severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and non-human primates, with a rate of high mortality. This virus was first recognized in The Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976. Since its discovery, it continues to cause outbreaks in equatorial Africa. Ebola virus constitutes an important local public health threat in Africa, with a worldwide effect through imported infections and through the fear of misuse for biological terrorism. A vaccine which is safe and effective is needed because of its continuous emergence. The second challenging issue for an Ebola virus vaccine is to have the ability to protect against infection from aerosolized viruses. This has been a long-time concern, as aerosols are the most likely form for these viruses as a biological threat. This study indicates the potential for developing an effective monovalent Ebola virus vaccine based on the cAdVax technology, which demonstrated effectiveness in protecting against direct infection and aerosolized infection. These results show that it is feasible and of high importance to create an Ebola virus vaccine that would be effective in the event of a natural outbreak or the event of the virus being used as biological threat.
Introduction
Ebola virus is regarded as the prototype pathogen of viral haemorrhagic fever, causing severe disease and high case fatality rates. This high fatality, combined with the absence of treatment and vaccination options, makes Ebola virus an important public health pathogen and biothreat
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