The Current Pathogenicity and Potential Risk Evaluation of Marburg Virus to Cause Mysterious "Disease X"-An Update on
Rahima Akter Mitu1, Md Rabiul Islam2
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Farmgate, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
The World Health Organization (WHO) defined Disease X as an upcoming disease with the potential to cause a pandemic. Pathogen X is responsible for Disease X. Marburg virus disease (MVD) is one of the diseases from the priority disease list published by WHO. Marburg virus is a filamentous, negative-sense RNA virus that belongs to the same filovirus family as the lethal Ebola virus. Since the first discovery of this virus in 1967, 17 outbreaks occurred sporadically till 2023. Rousettus aegyptiacus acts as the natural reservoir of the virus. With an average incubation period of 5 to 10 days, its first target is the mononuclear phagocytic system cells. It is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted from animal to human and human to human via direct contact with blood or body fluid, feces, and semen of the infected host. Although Marburg disease has a high case fatality rate of close to 90%, unfortunately, there is no approved vaccines or treatments are available. The most recent outbreak of Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania in 2023 caused an alert for global health. However, based on the last global pandemic of COVID-19 and the sudden re-emerging of monkeypox around the world, we can assume that the Marburg virus has the potential to cause a global pandemic. Our modern world depends on globalization, which helps the virus transmission among countries. The Marburg virus can easily be transmitted to humans by fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family. This virus causes severe hemorrhagic disease, and there are no specific vaccines and treatments available to combat it. Therefore, community engagement and early supportive care for patients are keys to successfully controlling MVD.
Insights
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a high-fatality hemorrhagic fever with no approved vaccines or treatments. Recent outbreaks highlight its pandemic potential, emphasizing the need for early supportive care and community engagement for control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, a filovirus related to Ebola.
- WHO has identified MVD as a priority disease with pandemic potential, termed Disease X.
- The virus, first discovered in 1967, has caused 17 sporadic outbreaks, with recent alerts in 2023.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics, transmission, and public health implications of Marburg virus disease.
- To highlight the potential of Marburg virus to cause a global pandemic.
- To emphasize control strategies for Marburg virus disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Marburg virus disease outbreaks and characteristics.
- Analysis of Marburg virus transmission routes and reservoirs.
- Assessment of MVD's public health threat based on historical data and global interconnectedness.
Main Results:
- Marburg virus is transmitted by *Rousettus aegyptiacus* bats and spreads human-to-human via direct contact with bodily fluids.
- The disease has a high case fatality rate (up to 90%) with no specific vaccines or treatments.
- Recent outbreaks underscore the risk of global spread due to globalization.
Conclusions:
- Marburg virus disease poses a significant threat due to its high fatality rate and lack of specific medical countermeasures.
- Early supportive care and robust community engagement are crucial for controlling MVD outbreaks.
- The potential for Marburg virus to cause a pandemic necessitates heightened global health surveillance and preparedness.
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