EDUCATION
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UNDERSTANDING EBOLA VIRUS The ANMF’s Body Systems Training Room is the most comprehensive library of anatomy and physiology online education programs for all health professionals. Currently we have 55 topics to choose from and the excerpt below is from the Understanding Ebola Virus Disease. The Understanding Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) learning program is designed to provide fundamental education on the basics of EVD, the history of the disease, its effect on the body, and how to recognise the disease and provide supportive care. The program begins with an overview of the history and epidemiology of EVD, followed by a discussion of the Ebola virus, its pathogenesis, and its mechanisms of transmission. Finally, you will learn about the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. The outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa in 2014 caused untold suffering in the affected countries and dominated news headlines across the world. Many myths and misconceptions have been propagated about the nature of the disease, how it is spread, and how best to care for those affected. EVD was first reported in Central Africa in 1976 near the Ebola River in Zaire, which is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and in the area of Sudan that is now South Sudan. The next major outbreak occurred in the DRC in 1995. Since then numerous outbreaks have occurred across the continent, claiming thousands of lives with the largest outbreak being in 2014 mainly involving Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with additional cases noted in Mali,
Spain, the USA, Nigeria and Senegal. The natural reservoir for Ebola virus is thought to be fruit bats, but it is unknown how the virus survives within this animal population. Once infected, bats can infect other animals. Sporadic outbreaks with high mortality in nonhuman primates and a type of antelope, known as a duiker, have been noted. Animal-to-human transmission can occur after contact with infected animals, such as when handling wild animal meat during hunting. Like all viruses, the Ebola virus must enter a host and infect susceptible cells to cause disease. The Ebola virus genus belongs to the Filoviridae family of viruses. Ebola viruses are enveloped viruses with a negativesense, single-stranded RNA genome. The genome of the virus contains seven genes that encode for nucleocapsid and envelope proteins, which are necessary for replication and assembly of the virus, as well as its entry into host cells. The pathogenesis of EVD begins when the Ebola virus first enters the body of a host by crossing mucous membranes, by entering breaks in the skin, or by being injected parenterally. Once inside the host, the virus infects immune cells. Studies have shown that monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells are the early and preferred sites of
By reading this article in its entirety and doing the associated learning activity online you can receive two hours of continuing professional development (CPD). For more information go to www.anmf. adamondemand.com.au/Home/ AOD1Index
Ebola viral replication. Infected cells travel to nearby lymph nodes via the lymphatic system. The infected cells can then migrate via blood circulation and spread the virus to the liver, spleen, and adrenal glands. Ebola viruses have the ability to replicate in almost every type of cell in many organs. Infected cells then die by necrosis. Necrosis of liver cells is associated with coagulopathy, whereas necrosis of adrenal gland cells can cause hypotension and impaired steroid production. The Ebola virus also causes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which result in multiple organ failure and shock. During an acute Ebola virus infection, high levels of virus and viral antigen circulate. As a result, the immune system may mount a specific response to the virus, which may lead to clinical improvement. Patients who develop an early and well-regulated immune response to Ebola virus infections are known to survive. The information presented is just a portion of the information provided in this comprehensive tutorial. To access the rest of the EVD content, accompanied by high quality graphics, register or log in at www.anmf. adamondemand.com.au/Home/ AOD1Index For further information, contact the education team on 02 6232 6533 or education@anmf.org.au
MEMBER ONLY OFFER FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER ONLY To prepare you for next years’ registration we are offering you access to the COMPLETE LIBRARY available on the Body Systems Training Room (BSTR). Over 55 topics for only $250.00 (normally $374.99), access available for 12 months. That’s only $4.50/topic. Any topics added to the site during your 12 months purchase period will be yours to access FREE. This offer is available to ANMF, QNU and NSWNMA members only. Don’t miss out on this fantastic saving.
anmf.org.au
November 2016 Volume 24, No. 5 23