Contribution of Environment Sample-Based Detection to Ebola Outbreak Management

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Interrupting Ebola virus (EBOV) transmission chains is crucial for outbreak control.
• Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on biological fluids is the established EBOV detection standard.
• Challenges arise in detecting EBOV in cases where bodily fluids are not collected, such as during burials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of environmental sampling for detecting EBOV RNA shed from probable cases.
• To assess the role of environmental sampling in managing EBOV outbreaks, particularly when traditional sampling is not feasible.

Main Methods:

• Screening of environmental samples for Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) RNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Sampling conducted during the 2012 BDBV outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Focus on samples from a hospital and a house where probable cases were present.

Main Results:

• Low levels of BDBV genomic RNA were detected in both hospital and house environmental samples.
• Detection of BDBV RNA in a house environment pinpointed the final active transmission chain.
• This finding facilitated the safe burial of the last confirmed case.

Conclusions:

• Environmental sampling can effectively detect EBOV RNA, even at low levels.
• This technique fills critical gaps in EBOV detection, especially when bodily fluid samples are unobtainable.
• Environmental sampling is a valuable tool for enhancing EBOV outbreak management and confirming positivity.