New mutations in the genes of Ebola virus would be able to block some treatments. This discovery could slow the manufacture and use of drugs against this disease, according to a study by researchers at the US Army Infectious Disease Research Institute.
Modified viral proteins
At present, several treatments exist to treat patients infected with Ebola. Among them, the MB-003 treatment, under development, has so far only been tested in monkeys. After observing the death of monkeys infected with Ebola but having received MB-003, researchers from the US Army observed changes in two groups of genes of the virus. However, these genes are responsible for the production of viral proteins precisely targeted by the MB-003 treatment.
Multiply treatment targets
A probable scenario is that of selection: a small number of viruses first developed this mutation. When the treatments were administered, viruses that were not mutated and therefore susceptible to antivirals were eliminated. The mutated resistant viruses, for their part, were then able to multiply more easily to represent a large percentage of the viral population. In their study (published in September 2015 in the scientific journal Cell), the researchers insist on the risk represented by this selection pressure on viral mutations. The authors of the study also note the importance of multiplying the targets of antivirals to increase their effectiveness. For almost two years, West Africa is affected by an Ebola virus epidemic. More than 28,000 cases have been confirmed, including 11,000 fatalities according to the World Health Organization.
>> To read also:
Ebola: the virus reappears in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone: an experimental Ebola vaccine to be tested
Ebola: vigilance remains in order despite the drop in the number of new cases
Ebola: the epidemic could be eradicated by the end of the year
