Ebola Test and Treatment Trial
When an infectious disease begins spreading, every hour matters. Doctors need to know what they are dealing with as quickly as possible so patients can receive the right care and health officials can stop the virus from spreading further. That is why new diagnostic tools and treatment options are so important during an outbreak.
In a major step towards improving the global response to Ebola, the WHO launches a new Ebola Test and an international treatment trial targeting the Bundibugyo virus, the strain responsible for the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
WHO Launches New Ebola Test
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made two crucial decisions to help intensify efforts towards fighting the ongoing Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There are no specially approved therapies for Bundibugyo virus disease yet. But the WHO has developed a new and validated Ebola Test that can help detect the virus and has also initiated international clinical trials for potential therapies.
This epidemic has emerged as the biggest-ever case of Bundibugyo virus outbreak. As per the information from the health experts, more than 2,000 cases and more than 750 deaths had been recorded in the DRC until mid-July. Cases have been reported in Uganda as well, but the situation remains stable there.
Why the New Ebola Test Matters?
One of the biggest challenges that occurred in this outbreak was that of diagnosis. Previously available commercial tests of Ebola were developed to detect the Zaire virus only and were not capable enough to diagnose the Bundibugyo virus. This delayed confirmation of cases during the early stages of the outbreak.
To seal this gap, the WHO launches a molecular Ebola Test for Bundibugyo Virus in its EUL (Emergency Use Listing). The test allows researchers to detect the presence of the virus from blood samples in a very reliable way.
Timely diagnosis will lead to the quick administration of supportive treatment to patients while public health teams can isolate the case, trace contacts and control its spread.
WHO Begins International Treatment Trial
Alongside the new Ebola Test, the WHO has launched the PARTNERS clinical trial in the DRC to evaluate possible treatments for the Bundibugyo virus.
Researchers considered two potential antiviral methods. One of the methods involves the use of MBP134, which is a monoclonal antibody that has shown promising activity in fighting several kinds of Ebola virus during earlier outbreaks. The second method to be studied is Remdesivir, which is an antiviral drug that has already been used against other viral infections.
The scientists will investigate whether the combination of the two treatments yields better results.
According to the recommendations of WHO, all participants of the experiment will continue receiving the full supportive care, including fluid therapy, electrolyte replacement, oxygenation, maintaining blood pressure, and analgesia.
A Trial Conducted During the Outbreak
Unlike most clinical trials that begin when the outbreak is over, the PARTNERS trial is currently being carried out amid the active epidemic.
The advantage with this is that the evidence obtained will be based on how the therapies work in real time. If effective, it could help doctors make better-informed treatment decisions during the current outbreak and not wait for several years to find out.
Health experts believe that this may prove highly beneficial for any future outbreaks of Ebola from Bundibugyo virus.
Doctors Continue to Face High Risk
The current epidemic is still posing a huge risk to healthcare professionals as well as humanitarian workers.
A recently reported case involves a US-based humanitarian worker infected with Bundibugyo virus while operating in DRC. This patient received treatment in Germany because of the nature of his condition. Another case involves the recovery of a physician from Bundibugyo virus infection through the experimental monoclonal antibody MBP134.
Even if these examples provide a sense of optimism, experts have made it clear that there has not been a specific drug or vaccine found to treat Bundibugyo virus yet.
Why Contact Tracing Remains Essential?
While the new Ebola Test is expected to improve diagnosis, experts say testing alone will not stop the outbreak.
Public health officers keep emphasizing that it is critical to identify and isolate all those infected as quickly as possible and also trace all those they came into contact with.
According to health professionals on the field, a huge number of the contacts are successfully being traced. Yet, numerous new infections are being recorded amongst the people not yet identified as contacts.
Looking Ahead
The WHO launches an Ebola test, and the international treatment trial represents an important milestone in responding to one of the most significant Bundibugyo virus outbreaks ever recorded.
While scientists are saying that definitive treatment results are going to take some time, the improvements made through diagnosis, surveillance, and clinical studies give reason for hope.
At present, health officials continue to urge vigilance, rapid case detection, and international cooperation as efforts continue to bring the outbreak under control.
