infectious diseases
Marburg and Ebola Virus Infections
Diagnosis of Marburg and Ebola Virus Infections
Evaluation and testing per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines Enzyme-linked immunosorbent blood assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Marburg or Ebola virus infection is suspected in patients with bleeding tendencies, fever, other symptoms consistent with early filovirus infection, and travel from endemic areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines for evaluating travelers returning from endemic areas (seeCDC: Interim Guidance on Risk Assessment and Management of Persons with Potential Ebolavirus Exposure). A similar approach can be used if Marburg virus is suspected. Cases should be discussed with public health authorities, who can assist in all facets of management, including Deciding whether to pursue the diagnosis Arranging transport of samples for testing Treatment, including transport to selected centers and, when indicated, use of novel therapies Tracking contacts Testing includes complete blood count, routine blood chemistries, liver and coagulation tests, and urinalysis. Diagnostic tests include ELISA and RT-PCR. The gold standard is detection of characteristic virions with electron microscopy of infected tissue (especially liver) or blood. 