Amburgo Virus Marburg

Overview

The Marburg virus, scientifically classified as the Marburg marburgvirus, is a highly pathogenic filovirus belonging to the family Filoviridae. It is closely related to the Ebola virus and responsible for causing Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa.

MVD was first identified in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. The outbreak involved laboratory workers who were exposed to infected green monkeys imported from Uganda. Since then, several outbreaks have occurred in Africa, primarily in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.

Transmission

The natural reservoir of the Marburg virus is believed to be African fruit bats (family Pteropodidae). Humans become infected through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or tissues of infected bats or non-human primates (monkeys and apes).

Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, vomit, feces, or urine. Healthcare workers are at particular risk of infection if they do not follow proper infection control measures while caring for patients with MVD.

Symptoms

The incubation period for Marburg virus disease is 2-21 days. The onset of symptoms is sudden and includes:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting

As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms develop, including:

• Hemorrhagic fever (bleeding from the eyes, nose, gums, and gastrointestinal tract)
• Organ failure (liver, kidney, and lungs)
• Shock
• Death

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Marburg virus disease is based on clinical symptoms and laboratory testing. Blood samples are collected and tested for the presence of the virus using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Other tests may include antibody testing and antigen detection.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. Treatment is supportive and includes:

• Intravenous fluids and electrolytes
• Blood transfusions
• Oxygen therapy
• Medication to manage symptoms (pain, nausea, and fever)

Prevention

Prevention of Marburg virus disease focuses on reducing the risk of exposure to the virus. Measures include:

• Avoiding contact with African fruit bats or non-human primates
• Wearing protective clothing and equipment when handling potentially infected animals or their tissues
• Practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals
• Healthcare workers should follow strict infection control measures when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed MVD

Outbreaks and Case Fatality Rate

Since its discovery, there have been several outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in Africa. The case fatality rate (CFR) of MVD varies depending on the outbreak and the strain of the virus involved. CFRs have ranged from 23% to 9