A research team has found out that epithelial cells present in the eyes could aid in deterring the rampancy of Ebola virus. This research team includes investigators from Flinders University, Emory University and Australia’s CSIRO, who have successfully wangled to identify and purport that a sort of cell in the eyes, known to be as epithelial cells could help in the determent of Ebola virus. This has given hope for Ebola infected victims. This started out by analyzing an Ebola survivor who was descried with the presence of scars in his eyes. Consequently, they had discovered that the retinal pigment epithelial cells in the eyes could act as reservoirs for Ebola disease and hence avert it from proliferating.
Mortality caused due to Ebola virus has increased manifold in the recent years and is discerned as fifty percent on an average, as divulged by World Health Organization. The viral hosts of Ebola happen to live in the eyes of survivors. After infection, patients are usually noticed with the chronic symptom of uveitis for around a period of one year.
The initial assessment procedures were conducted on a physician and an Ebola survivor, Dr. Ian Crozier. Dr. Ian’s eyes had sheltered Ebola viral hosts when the investigation team had started their assays in the laboratory. Epithelial cells demonstrated the ability of molecules that could restrict the ability of white blood cells to fight infection and hence there wouldn’t be intensified inflammation at the infected site.
Eyes could accommodate these viral hosts and consequently not damage them. Justine Smith of Flinders University states that this research would help in further assessment procedures for effective management and prevention of Ebola virus. She also divulged that the multiplication of Ebola viruses could be prevented through a sturdy anti-viral reaction, with the help of RNA sequencing (RNA-SEQ). Later, she added on that although there might be perplexity and discord pertaining to the safety of eyes during the course of containment of the virus in them, it is quite an efficient way of harboring Ebola virus in the most heedful way.
Ebola viruses possess the capability of preventing the infected cells from trying to fight back and this is palpably engendered by powerful mechanisms exhibited by the viral hosts. The potential of the inordinately strong anti-viral response to stabilize the multiplication of host cells and keep them under control is essential to deter the outspread of these viruses.
Researchers ponder these epithelial cells as super cells for their stupefying ability to limit the spread of Ebola infection and secure the human carrier from further indisposition.