Pathogenesis (disease development)
Filoviruses are usually ingested through the oropharynx (oral pharynx). The Ebola virus then replicates in monocytes (components of human blood that belong to the leukocyte/white blood cell cell class), macrophages (“phagocytes”), and the dendritic cells of lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Among other things, necrosis (tissue damage resulting from the death of cells) occurs in the liver. In addition, the virus causes cytolysis (dissolution of a cell by breaking down its membrane integrity) of endothelial cells (these cells line the inside of blood vessels) and macrophages (“scavenger cells”). The blood shows neutrophilia (increase in neutrophil granulocytes (immune defense cells that are part of the white blood cells)), lymphocytopenia (lack of lymphocytes; lymphocytes are part of the white blood cells), and ultimately thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelets).
Etiology (causes)
- Pathogen reservoirs are the flying foxes or bats (Chiroptera, also fluttering animals) living in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Transmitters are non-human primates, rodents as well as flying foxes. Through contact with infected sick or dead animals, the disease is transmitted to humans. Transmission (route of infection) from person to person occurs through contact with blood or other fluids (saliva, semen, stool, etc.) of the sick person or the deceased (contact or smear infection) – especially medical personnel, laboratory personnel.
