Other Small Mammal Multisystemic: Ebola Virus Disease Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever that affects non-human primates and humans. Caused by viruses in the genus Orthoebolavirus (family Filoviridae), EVD represents one of the most important zoonotic diseases for veterinary professionals working with primates or in biosafety settings.

Non-human primates (NHPs) serve as critical animal models for understanding human disease and are highly susceptible to Ebola virus infection. Understanding EVD pathogenesis in primates is essential for NAVLE candidates as it demonstrates key principles of viral hemorrhagic fever, zoonotic disease transmission, and biosafety protocols.

Etiology and Viral Classification

Viral Taxonomy and Structure

Ebola viruses belong to the genus Orthoebolavirus within the family Filoviridae. These are enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses with characteristic filamentous morphology.