Ebola Research Paper

Cholera, aka Asiatic Cholera or epidemic cholera, is an infectious disease of the gastrointestinal tract caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. From the family Vibrionaceae, the bacterium is characterized as a gram-negative rod. As with other gram-negative rods, Vibrio cholerae produces an endotoxin, known as cholera toxin. This bacterium is mobile due to the presence of a single polar flagellum and is highly infectious. The Vibrio cholerae bacterium grows in both freshwater and marine habitats and also in association with aquatic animals.

Originally discovered in 1824 by the Italian Anatomist, Filippo Pacini, Vibrio cholera most likely originated in India with the Ganges River serving as the primary contamination reservoir. Nearly 30 years
Ebola virus is a member of the family Fivoviridae and is named after the Ebola River in the Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) which is where the first epidemic occurred in 1994. The virus is classified as
It has been hypothesized that the index patient becomes infected through contact with an ill animal. After the first case patient, the virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or secretions or through contact with contaminated objects such as needles. Nosocomial transmission is common in outbreaks when healthcare workers do not wear proper protective clothing.

Ebola is form of viral hemorrhagic fever that is usually clinically diagnosed by the constellation of symptoms described. Laboratory diagnosis is through ELISA testing for IgM antibodies and PCR and virus isolation can be used to identify virus within a few days of symptom onset. Later in course of disease IgG antibodies can be tested.

There is no curative treatment for Ebola. Only supportive treatments including fluid and electrolyte balancing, and maintenance of oxygen status and blood pressure are