Infections by viruses of the families Bunyaviridae and Filoviridae

Abstract

Rift Valley fever is the most important bunyaviral disease of animals in Africa. The virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, causes abortions and mortality in young animals in addition to haemorrhagic fevers in humans. Although vaccines against this virus are available, the uses of these vaccines are limited because of deleterious effects or incomplete protection, justifying further studies to improve the existing vaccines or to develop others. Nairobi sheep disease is transmitted by ticks. The disease is endemic in East Africa and sporadic cases are reported in India and Sri Lanka. Other viruses transmitted by mosquitoes or midges are teratogenic in cattle or sheep, these include Akabane and related viruses in Asia, Australia and the Middle East, and Cache Valley in North America. The Marburg and Ebola viruses of the genus Filovirus are associated with epidemics in Central Africa with high fatality rates in humans; some outbreaks were related to contact with monkeys. Another subtype of Ebola virus was first described in a quarantine facility in the United States of America among cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from the Philippines. The reservoir of these viruses remains unknown.