Deep sequencing and analysis of filovirus samples. Filoviridae

Filoviruses, such as Ebola Virus and Marburg virus, induce hemorrhagic fever (VHF) resulting in high mortality. Both Ebola and Marburg viruses and closely related strains cause severe diseases in humans and nonhuman primates. All the members of Filoviridae are select agents, Risk Group 4 Pathogens (requiring BL4-equvalent containment), and Category A Priority Pathogens. The increased frequency of outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola and Marburg in central and western Africa and the potential use of such agents as biological weapons underscore the need to have a better understanding of these viruses. As part of this project, we will sequence full genomes of both Ebola and Marburg viruses that will help in understanding the pathogenesis of these viruses to develop effective vaccines and antivirals against it.