Therapy and Prophylaxis of Ebola Virus Infections

The first cases of Ebola hemorrhagic fever were reported from Sudan and Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1976, but the virus has only received significant attention since 1995. Until recently, the development of therapeutics or vaccines was not considered a priority. The knowledge gained during the past decade on the biology and pathogenesis of Ebola virus has led to the development of therapeutic strategies that are currently being investigated. Considering the aggressive nature of Ebola infections, in particular the rapid and overwhelming viral burdens, early diagnosis will play a significant role in determining the success of any intervention strategy. Advanced understanding of the immune response has produced several vaccine candidates of which a few can be considered for further evaluation. This review will summarize and discuss the current therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for Ebola hemorrhagic fever.