In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from China have identified a critical mutation in the Ebola virus that dramatically enhanced its ability to spread during a major outbreak. Published in the prestigious journal Cell, this finding could revolutionize epidemic monitoring and vaccine development.
The study focused on the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the second-largest in history. Over 3,000 people were infected, and more than 2,000 lost their lives amid challenging local health conditions.
Professor Qian Jun from Sun Yat-sen University emphasized the importance of real-time genomic surveillance. ‘Tracking viral evolution during outbreaks allows us to detect rising threats early and adjust treatment strategies accordingly,’ he stated.
Analyzing 480 full viral genomes, the team pinpointed a mutation in the viral glycoprotein, dubbed GP-V75A. This variant rapidly dominated, correlating with a surge in cases, indicating heightened infectivity.
Lab experiments confirmed GP-V75A increased the virus’s ability to infect various cell types and mice. Alarmingly, it also reduced the effectiveness of certain antiviral antibodies and small-molecule drugs, raising concerns about drug resistance.
This research underscores the need for continuous genomic monitoring to anticipate viral changes and develop robust countermeasures. As global health experts warn of future pandemics, such insights are vital for preparedness.
