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Published online 21 January 2009 | Nature 457, 364-365 (2009) | doi:10.1038/457364b
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Ebola outbreak has experts rooting for answers
Virus subtype suspected in Philippine swine.
When the Ebola Reston virus was discovered in pigs in the Philippines last year, it marked the virus's first known foray outside primates, and raised fears of a potential threat to human health.
Last week, a joint mission of 22 international health and veterinary experts returned from investigating the outbreak with more questions than answers about the virus's pathology and epidemiology.
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In response to the article on Ebola Reston virus in pigs, this raises questions as to the march of Ebola from primates to humans and expaning host range. The Ebola virus evolutionary leap appears to be unfolding and the pig already functions as an efficient intermediate inter-species host (inter-sorter) for avian influenza virus. Moreover, the ferret model now demonstrates this intermediate potential, demonstrating that avian virus is evolving and mutating that could result in efficient transmission to humans and among humans. Raccoon/red fox findings also raise concerns. We have thus far, dodged the bullet in this regard re avian influenza and pandemic threat, but the threat is growing and it may only be a matter of time. This one report on the Ebola/pig link is disturbing yet on its own, cannot lead to the conclusion that Ebola has evolved sufficiently to be the grave threat to humans (efficient transmission, aerosol spread) yet it raises a flag and we must take a serious look. Acute surveillance is warranted anticipating that the Ebola host range is expanding and the pig has demonstrated its capacity to be an efficient warehouse/inter-species intersorter of virus, leading to novel strains. A simple point mutation in the Ebola genetic material once inside the pig may cause serious concerns for human populations. The issue of immunocompromised persons is a valid one. More study is needed on the extent of transmission and this article is very timely and interesting. Paul Alexander elias98_99@yahoo.com Toronto