title: Ebola virus - from neglected threat to global emergency state.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review aims to update knowledge about Ebola virus disease (EVD) and recent advances in its diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature review was performed using the following databases: ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, IRIS, Scopus and the websites of the CDC and the WHO. Additionally, we have included articles and reports referenced in the basic literature search, and news that were considered relevant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Ebola virus, endemic in some parts of Africa, is responsible for a severe form of hemorrhagic fever in humans; bats are probably its natural reservoir. It is an extremely virulent virus and easily transmitted by bodily fluids. EVD's complex pathophysiology, characterized by immunosuppression as well as stimulation of an intense inflammatory response, results in a syndrome similar to septic shock. The diagnosis is difficult due to the initial symptoms that mimic other diseases. Despite the high mortality rates that can amount to 90%, a prophylaxis (chemical or vaccine) or effective treatment does not exist. Two vaccines and experimental therapies are being developed for the prevention and treatment of EVD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the virus is known for about 40 years, the lack of knowledge obtained and the disinterest of government authorities in the countries involved justify the state of emergency currently exists regarding this infectious agent. Only the coordination of multiple entities and the effective commitment of the international community will facilitate the control and effective prevention of EVD.
authors.affiliation: MSc - Integrated Master Degree in Medicine, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Daniela Alexandra de Meneses Rocha Aguiar
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Pacheco
authors.affiliation: PhD - Director of the Department and Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto. MD, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Burns Unit, Hospital de São João, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Acácio Agostinho Gonçalves
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.affiliation: PhD - Professor of the Department and Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto. MD, Department of Dermatovenereology, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Carmen Maria Lisboa da
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Silva
mesh_terms: D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D046129:Ebola Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D029043:Ebolavirus / Q000502:physiology; D014943:Global Health; D019142:Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D058069:Neglected Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D046129:Ebola Vaccines