Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a virologist specializing in emerging infectious diseases. I've spent years studying the complexities of viruses like Ebola, and I'm happy to help answer your question about which cells it targets in the human body.

Ebola virus disease, or EVD, is a severe, often fatal illness caused by infection with the Ebola virus. This virus is a member of the Filoviridae family, known for their distinctive filamentous shape.

Ebola's Mechanism of Infection

The virus enters the human body through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, vomit, and feces. It then targets specific cell types, primarily those involved in the immune system and blood vessel function. Let's break down the details:

1. Immune Cells

* Macrophages: These are white blood cells that act as the body's first line of defense against infection. They engulf and destroy pathogens, including Ebola. However, Ebola is clever - it can actually hijack macrophages and use them as a Trojan horse to spread throughout the body. This is known as viral dissemination.
* Dendritic Cells: These cells are crucial for initiating the immune response. They present pieces of the virus to other immune cells, prompting them to attack. Ebola, however, can also infect and disable dendritic cells, effectively shutting down the immune system's early warning system.
* T Lymphocytes: Also known as T cells, these are another type of white blood cell that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They identify and destroy infected cells. Unfortunately, Ebola can also infect and destroy T cells, further weakening the immune response.

2. Blood Vessel Cells

* Endothelial Cells: These cells line the inside of blood vessels. They are responsible for regulating blood flow and preventing leakage. Ebola can infect endothelial cells, causing them to become leaky and inflamed. This leads to vascular permeability, a condition where blood leaks out of the vessels into surrounding tissues, causing widespread internal bleeding.

Consequences of Ebola Infection

The damage Ebola inflicts on these cells results in a cascade of harmful effects:

* Immunosuppression: The destruction of immune cells leads to a weakened immune system, making the body vulnerable to secondary infections.
* Hemorrhagic Fever: The vascular permeability caused by Ebola infection leads to widespread bleeding, both internal and external.
* Multi-Organ Failure: The damage to various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs, can lead to organ dysfunction and failure.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no FDA-approved cure for EVD, but supportive care, such as managing fluid levels, maintaining blood pressure, and treating infections, can increase survival chances. Several vaccine candidates are being tested, and some have shown promising results.

**Preventing Ebola spread is crucial, and this involves:**

* **Avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and their bodily fluids.**
* **Practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.**
* **Wearing protective gear when handling infected materials.**

**Understanding the Cells Targeted by Ebola**

By understanding which cells Ebola attacks, scientists can develop targeted therapies and vaccines. It's crucial to remember that while Ebola virus is a serious threat, ongoing research and public health efforts are working to combat this deadly disease.
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Upon entering the body, the virus targets specific cell types, including liver cells, cells in the immune system, and endothelial cells, which line the inside of blood vessels. Once inside the cells, one of the proteins made by the virus is called Ebola virus glycoprotein [4].read more >>