Abstract
SummaryBackgroundTo date, epidemiological studies at the index site of the 2013–16 west African Ebola outbreak in Meliandou, Guinea, have been restricted in their scope. We aimed to determine the occurrence of previously undocumented Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases and infections, and to reconstruct transmission events.MethodsThis cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of the adult population of Meliandou used a highly specific oral fluid test and detailed interviews of all households in the village and key informants. Each household was interviewed, with all members prompted to describe the events of the outbreak, any illness within the household, and possible contact with suspected cases. Information for deceased individuals was provided by relatives living in the same household. Symptoms were based on Ebola virus Makona variant EVD case definitions (focusing on fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea). For antibody testing, we used an Ebola virus glycoprotein IgG capture enzyme immunoassay developed from a previously validated assay. A maximum exposure level was assigned to every participant using a predetermined scale. We used a generalised linear model (logit function) to estimate odds ratios for the association of sociodemographic variables and exposure level with Ebola virus infection. We adjusted estimates for age and maximum exposure, as appropriate.FindingsBetween June 22, and July 9, 2017, we enrolled 237 participants from 27 households in Meliandou. Two households refused to participate and one was absent. All adults in participating households who were present for the interview provided an oral fluid swab for testing, of which 224 were suitable for analysis. In addition to the 11 EVD deaths described previously, on the basis of clinical description and oral fluid testing, we found two probable EVD deaths and eight previously unrecognised anti-Ebola virus IgG-positive survivors, including one who had mild symptoms and one who was asymptomatic, resulting in a case fatality of 55·6% (95% CI 30·8–78·5) for adults. Health-care work (adjusted odds ratio 6·64, 1·54–28·56; p=0·001) and level of exposure (odds ratio adjusted for linear trend across five levels 2·79, 1·59–4·883; p<0·0001) were independent risk factors for infection.InterpretationEbola virus infection was more widespread in this spillover population than previously recognised (21 vs 11 cases). We show the first serological evidence of survivors in this population (eight anti-Ebola virus IgG seropositive) and report a case fatality lower than previously reported (55·6% vs 100% in adults). These data show the high community coverage achievable by using a non-invasive test and, by accurately documenting the beginnings of the west African Ebola virus outbreak, reveal important insight into transmission dynamics and risk factors that underpin Ebola virus spillover events.FundingUS Food and Drug Administration, Wellcome Trust, and German Research Council.
Highlights
In addition to the 11 Ebola virus disease (EVD) deaths described previously, on the basis of clinical description and oral fluid testing, we found two probable EVD deaths and eight previously unrecognised anti-Ebola virus IgG-positive survivors, including one who had mild symptoms and one who was asymptomatic, resulting in a case fatality of 55·6% for adults
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a haemorrhagic fever characterised by severe, multisystem disease, and a high case fatality.[1]
27 distinct zoonotic spillover events among human populations have been identified since the discovery of the virus in 1976.5 Owing to the inherent difficulty of surveillance in remote locations, many outbreak investigations rely on retrospective detection, and can overlook mild EVD clinical presentations.[6,7]
Summary
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a haemorrhagic fever characterised by severe, multisystem disease, and a high case fatality.[1]. Molecular, and phylogenetic research into the transmission of Ebola virus during the 2013–16 west African outbreak, no quantitative study or diagnostic methods have been employed at the suspected index location of Meliandou village in Guéckédou prefecture of south-eastern Guinea. Previous studies in this area, conducted during the outbreak, were necessarily limited and did not include serological investigation. During the west African outbreak, a new high specificity capture assay capable of detecting anti-Ebola virus immunoglobulins from oral fluid samples demonstrated the occurrence of mild and asymptomatic infections, and facilitated non-invasive serological studies with high population coverage
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
