filoviridae

• What is the family classification of Filoviridae?

  Family Filoviridae (order Mononegavirales)
• What type of viruses are Filoviridae?

  Enveloped, negative-sense, nonsegmented ssRNA viruses
• What is the approximate genome size of Ebola and Marburg viruses?

  ~19 kb (Ebola ~18.9 kb; Marburg ~19.1 kb)
• How many proteins does the Filoviridae genome encode?

  7 proteins (NP, VP35, VP40, GP, VP30, VP24, L)
• What are the major genera of Filoviridae?

  Orthoebolavirus and Marburgvirus
• Name a notable species of Ebola virus.

  Zaire ebolavirus
• What is the morphology of Filoviridae viruses?

  Unique filamentous virions with helical nucleocapsid
• What is the diameter of Filoviridae virions?

  ~80 nm
• What are the characteristic shapes of Filoviridae filaments?

  “6” or U shape
• What diseases are caused by Filoviridae viruses?

  Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)
• What are the symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease?

  Fever, myalgia, vomiting, diarrhea, rash
• What is the mortality rate of Zaire Ebola strains?

  Up to 70–90%
• Where do outbreaks of Filoviridae typically occur?

  Central/West Africa
• What is the believed reservoir for Filoviridae viruses?

  Fruit bats
• How is Filoviridae transmitted?

  Direct contact with blood/body fluids
• What is essential for caregivers dealing with Filoviridae cases?

  Strict barrier nursing
• What is the primary diagnostic method for Filoviridae?

  Real-time RT-PCR on blood
• What does WHO recommend for rapid results in Filoviridae diagnosis?

  GeneXpert and other RT-PCR platforms
• What is the purpose of antigen detection tests for Filoviridae?

  To triage cases
• What is the role of IgM/IgG ELISA in Filoviridae diagnosis?

  For survivors or retrospective diagnosis
• What type of cell culture is used for virus confirmation in Filoviridae?

  BSL-4 cell culture (Vero cells)
• How are specimens treated in Filoviridae testing?

  As Category A agents
• What is the main treatment approach for Filoviridae infections?

  Largely supportive care
• What are the FDA-approved therapeutics for Ebola Zaire?

  Monoclonal antibody cocktails Inmazeb and Ebanga
• How do Inmazeb and Ebanga improve survival in Ebola Zaire?

  They target the viral glycoprotein
• What is the approved vaccine for Ebola Zaire?

  rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo)
• What is the purpose of ring vaccination in Ebola outbreaks?

  To vaccinate contacts of cases
• What is the recommended prevention strategy for Filoviridae?

  Rapid case identification and isolation
• What precautions should health workers take when dealing with Filoviridae?

  Full barrier gear and PPE
• How are Filoviridae viruses inactivated?

  By standard hospital disinfectants
• What is the incubation period for monitoring contacts of Filoviridae cases?

  21 days
• What may be offered as post-exposure prophylaxis in outbreaks?

  Vaccine or investigational therapeutics
• What are the key characteristics of Filoviridae viruses?

  • Enveloped, negative-sense, nonsegmented ssRNA viruses
  • Unique filamentous morphology
  • Genome size ~19 kb
  • Major genera: Orthoebolavirus and Marburgvirus
• What are the main symptoms and mortality rates associated with Filoviridae diseases?

  • Symptoms: fever, myalgia, vomiting, diarrhea, rash
  • Zaire Ebola: mortality up to 70–90%
  • Sudan Ebola: mortality ~50%
  • Marburg: mortality ~60–80%
• What are the laboratory diagnosis methods for Filoviridae?

  1. Real-time RT-PCR on blood
  2. Antigen detection tests (e.g. ReEBOV)
  3. IgM/IgG ELISA for survivors
  4. Virus culture in BSL-4 labs
  5. Autopsy tissue testing by IHC
• What are the treatment and prevention strategies for Filoviridae infections?

  • Supportive care (IV fluids, electrolytes)
  • FDA-approved therapeutics: Inmazeb, Ebanga
  • Vaccines: rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo), Ad26-ZEBOV/MVA-BN
  • Prevention: rapid identification, isolation, PPE, community education
• What infection control measures are recommended for Filoviridae?

  • Standard and droplet precautions for healthcare
  • Disinfection with standard hospital disinfectants
  • Monitor contacts for 21-day incubation
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis with vaccine or therapeutics