A team of professionals from four countries has analyzed the genetic sequence of the Ebola virus from samples collected in Sierra Leone, the most affected country, to clarify the keys to the largest outbreak in history. The results, published today in the journal Science , indicate that the genome of the virus is changing rapidly as it is transmitted from person to person , although it is unknown if the mutations are the cause of the virulence of the new epidemic. On the other hand, it is known that the variations present an impediment to their diagnosis, which means that they must be closely monitored.
The researchers identified 300 mutations that affected the protein sequences of the virus and altered its behavior , which could well be an obstacle to the efficacy of experimental treatments, as they precisely constitute a target for future drugs. Analysis of the 99 genomes has also revealed information about their origin; For now, it is believed that it was introduced into a single human who had ingested or handled raw bat or monkey meat.
The Ebola virus has been contained in sparsely populated regions of central Africa for decades. On this occasion, however, it has spread to the western area and keeps the world in suspense by punctually crossing the maritime borders of the continent. Since its detection in Guinea in March of this year, 3,069 cases have been registered, of which 1,552 have died, according to the World Health Organization; a figure higher than the sum of all the victims of previous outbreaks and that could even reach 20,000.
The price of the discovery, which will help trace its origin, improve diagnoses and design treatments, has been very high: five of the study authors died of contracting the disease.
